Submitted by Unity Care NW
For school children in underserved communities, accessibility is often a barrier to essential health care services. Dental care, crucial for overall health and well-being, is no exception. Recognizing this challenge, Unity Care NW (UCNW), has pioneered a solution: the Mobile Dental Program.
The statistics are stark: although cavities are largely preventable, 42% of children 2 to 11 years old, experience tooth decay, one of the most common chronic infectious diseases throughout the lifespan. Untreated tooth decay can lead to severe infection under the gums which can spread to other parts of the body and can lead to severe complications, affecting not only oral health but overall quality of life. In response, UCNW’s Mobile Dental Program was born, driven by a mission to bring needed dental services directly to schools.
A Mobile Solution
The premise of the Mobile Dental Program is simple yet profound: meet children where they are, quite literally. By setting up dental services in local schools, UCNW eliminates transportation barriers, ensuring that even kids in remote areas of Whatcom County can access care. Since 1998, the program has offered fundamental services, including screenings, sealants and fluoride varnishes, and connects children to ongoing dental care, creating a vital link to a dental home. Notably, the program serves a diverse demographic, with a significant proportion of BIPOC students, reflecting UCNW’s commitment to equitable healthcare access.
A Profound Impact
The program serves all Whatcom County elementary schools, most middle and high schools, and 12 Head Start programs, including affiliated childcare centers and independent day cares. By strengthening relationships with school districts and local Head Start and daycare locations, their Mobile Dental team was able to serve an additional 489 students during the 2022-2023 school year, for a total of 1,209 children screened by their staff.
The success stories emerging from the Mobile Dental Program vividly illustrate its impact. By conducting visual exams in schools, UCNW identifies emergent dental needs and connects families to clinical care in local dental offices, facilitating timely interventions to prevent further complications. Their team’s presence in schools has resulted in alleviating fears and other barriers to oral health and in some cases, saving children from permanent tooth loss. In one school in 2023, a potentially life-threatening abscesses was detected in a child who was experiencing no pain and may have otherwise gone untreated. Stories like these are testaments to the transformative power of community-driven healthcare, illuminating a path towards a healthier, brighter future for all. By embedding dental services directly within schools, and helping parents access ongoing dental care for their children, they have become not just providers of care, but agents of empowerment and opportunity.
Navigating Challenges, Embracing Growth
Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, leading to the temporary suspension of the Mobile Dental Program. Yet, as schools reopened and safety protocols were established, UCNW reaffirmed its commitment to this vital initiative. With donations from the community and support from a grant from LISC, the Health Access Fund, and its founding funders Uber, PayPal, and Walgreens, UCNW is poised to expand and enhance the program in the coming school year. A new van purchased with these funds will help us as they strive to ensure that every child in need receives timely, affordable, and convenient dental care.
Looking Towards the Future
As UCNW navigates the complexities of healthcare delivery, the Mobile Dental Program stands as a beacon of innovation and compassion. By bridging gaps and transforming lives, it exemplifies the profound impact of community-driven healthcare initiatives. With dedication and strategic partnerships, UCNW continues to redefine the boundaries of accessible, equitable healthcare, one smile at a time.
