All Aboard the Tooth Taxi
On The Road Again: A Tooth Taxi Update
by Mary Daly, Program Manager, Tooth Taxi
Update Number 72 |June 14, 2010 | Independence
The Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC) in Independence was the first site partner the Tooth Taxi had back in 2008. They contacted us about hosting the Tooth Taxi which was the perfect opportunity for us to have a trial period before heading out to our first school for a week. Tooth Taxi staff, representatives from DAISY (practice management software) and ADI (who built out the van) all joined us in a caravan to Independence. Holly Spruance our OEA Choice Trust representative also joined us. In those 2 days we learned how much we had to learn!
We also returned to Independence last summer, so by our visit this year things were really clicking. Our 3rd visit was quite a measuring stick to see how far we’ve come in the past 2 years with our processes and how organized OCDC is to accommodate all the families for screening and appointments.
We’ll remember our visit for the great lunches provided and for the bird stories. We had a small sparrow that flew into the screening room, unable to find his way out - a bit scared with all the people, commotion and crying babies. After we cleared out the room the janitor was able to relocate him outside.
Volunteers:
Volunteers came from Bandon, Corvallis, Albany and Salem to help out in Independence.
Our volunteers: Dr. Robert Rudell from Bandon with the Tooth Taxi team
Albany “retired” dentist Dr. Goger screening a young patient.
Dr. Janet Peterson from Corvallis with Salem assistant Kristen Holen.
Newspaper/Press:
An article in the Salem Statesman Journal Polk County section.
From the kid gallery:
A young boy that we saw at this site last year who had a front tooth pulled. This year he bounces in the van and says “Awesome I get to watch a cartoon” (that’s success).
“Your gonna; take this tooth off? Awesome, lots of money from the tooth fairy.”
Dr. Heringer: “what’s your favorite thing to eat for lunch?” Patient: “Lollipops”.
Realities from the road:
Who needs a mini-van? Dr. Heringer with a family leaving the center after he finished treatment on the daughter.
Other notes:
- 38% of students screened needed treatment.
- 62% needed no treatment.
- Tooth Taxi miles driven: 132
Our certified dental assistant Stephanie Vogl completed her sealant certification on Friday at OHSU. Stephanie will now be reaching out to students without decay providing cleanings and sealants. Congratulations Stephanie!
Stats: OCDC Independence June 14-18, 2010
- 108 students screened
- 25 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom
- 43 students treated in the van
- $25,427 value of free dental services provided.
Summary
Tooth Taxi, September 4, 2008- June 18, 2010
- 6791 students screened
- 3250 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom
- 2706 students treated in the van
- $1,756,003 value of free dental services provided.