All Aboard the Tooth Taxi
The Tooth Taxi is a state-of-the-art dental office on wheels, with two operatory units and a waiting room. It is a direct service project started in 2008 in response to the growing oral health crisis in Oregon. Unlike other dental vans, the Tooth Taxi has a full-time pediatric dentist and staff, and it spends up to four days at a time at schools providing screenings, cleanings, sealants, X-rays, fillings, minor oral surgery and oral health education for Oregon’s neediest children. This extra time in the community allows for comprehensive treatment of the most serious cases, and gives local dental volunteers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
The Tooth Taxi was created through a unique partnership and with the generous support of the OEA Choice Trust and ODS. It is a statewide program that will help over 3,000 schoolchildren each year and provide close to one million dollars in free dental care annually.
The Tooth Taxi is fueled by donations from foundations, corporations and individuals, and supported by volunteers from the dental community and local schools that help identify children in need and work with Tooth Taxi staff.
Read samples of recent media coverage about the Tooth Taxi HERE
Tooth Taxi Team
Dr. Weston W. Heringer, Jr., pediatric dentist for the Tooth Taxi, provides dental care. Dr. Heringer has a private practice and ran the pediatric residency program at the OHSU School of Dentistry. He has a passion for community service and is a frequent volunteer locally and with Medical Teams International.
Mary A. Daly is the Program Manager for the Tooth Taxi. Mary brings skills in project management, knowledge of the dental community and enthusiasm for community service. Her expertise and experience bring invaluable assets to the Tooth Taxi program and the Foundation. Mary may be contacted at 503.329.8877 or Mary.Daly@SmileOnOregon.org
The Tooth Taxi also has two full-time dental assistants who help provide coordination and care, and support to Dr. Heringer and volunteer dentists. James Olcott is assisting on the Tooth Taxi both as a chairside assistant and an administrative assistant. Certified dental assistant, Stephanie Vogl joined the team in February, 2010.
Special thanks to our foundation partners
Oregon Community Foundation
Meyer Memorial Trust
Providence Partners in Health
Providence Community Grants
The Collins Foundation
Fred Meyer Fund
Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation
Spirit Mountain Community Fund
Juan Young Trust
PacificSource Charitable Foundation
Albany General Hospital Foundation
Samaritan Albany Hospital Foundation
Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust
Keller Foundation
Mary Clark Foundation
Anonymous
Thanks also to the many companies and individuals who support DFO and the Tooth Taxi. You can see all our supporters listed on the Donor Page of this website.