Dentists Using Mobile Offices

Dentists across the United States and the world are creating mobile dental units that they can drive into a community. Once in the communities, a dentist and staff is able to assist the low-income or just under served population in the surrounding area. The mobile unit is able to provide everything from a simple hygiene visit to more complicated fillings and extractions.

The idea of a mobile unit is not a new concept. Doctors to veterinarians to restaurants have been outfitting mobile units to drive into a certain part of town for aid or business. For example, many veterinarians are finding the best way to reach the public and encourage spaying and neutering pets is to advertise that the mobile unit will be in their community and the surgeries will be available at a lower cost.

This concept is similar for dentists. A dentist and staff can equip a mobile unit with all the tools they need for a day of working with patients. X-Ray equipment to specialized drills and cleaning equipment can all be placed in and powered by the vehicle. In some cases, the vehicle needs access to a power source or a generator. Even so, the nature of this moving office gives the team flexibility to provide care to very rural or urban communities.

There are a few different ways the mobile units operate. The team can be in contact with the city managers and plan a time to be in a community. This happens often in rural communities. Local newspapers will advertise the dentist’s schedule and who to call to set an appointment. The mobile unit will spend a day providing care to those people scheduled appointments and to any walk-ups. Generally, the team will rotate their schedule so they come to a community every five weeks or so.

Other moving dental offices can be scheduled by appointment by communities, cities or schools, specifically contracting them for a certain population. It should be noted that there are specific national and international companies and organizations, along with private dentists, that provide this kind of dental office. Some of these organizations do not actually work from their van or truck. The teams will set-up an office in a donated space like a gym, classroom or office facility.

Once a mobile unit is in place either the vehicle is parked and connected to a power source, or the donated space has been provided, the team will get to work. Most units are equipped to do a little bit of everything. Along with cleaning, check-ups and general care, they provide high-quality fillings and extractions. More importantly, they try to give each person the tools they need to have healthier teeth like floss, toothpaste and a toothbrush.

All over the world dentists are providing much needed dental care and assistance to children, low-income families and other under-served populations through mobile dentistry.