Lamoille Health Partners has introduced an innovative solution to rural dental care access with their mobile dental unit, nicknamed “Flo.” The converted RV, funded by $550,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act money, features two fully equipped operating rooms capable of handling basic dental procedures including cleanings, fillings, and X-rays.
The initiative specifically targets communities where transportation and accessibility pose significant barriers to dental care. The mobile unit made its first visits to Waterville Elementary School and the Lamoille Community House homeless shelter, addressing a critical gap in healthcare services.
The program acknowledges the practical challenges facing rural families, where parents often must take entire days off work for their children’s dental appointments. By establishing regular three- to six-month rotation schedules at schools, the team aims to create consistent care patterns for students.
The service operates on both insurance and sliding-fee scales, making it accessible to various income levels. For homeless shelter residents, where dental care often competes with basic necessities, the mobile unit removes significant barriers to access.
“This is an easier way to get to those medically underserved communities, to get to those that have transportation issues,” Stuart May, Lamoille Health president and CEO, said in the interview with News & Citizen.
Nicole Chauvin, the shelter manager at Lamoille Community House, offered a stark perspective on the reality facing many residents: “Do I pay my rent, or do I get my teeth cleaned? Do I put food on the table, or do I get my teeth cleaned? You have to make these decisions, and they aren’t always easy decisions to make,” she told the News & Citizen.
Read the full story by Tommy Gardner from October 17, 2024 in the News & Citizen: Dentists log miles to improve smiles
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