#95 | GOODBYE 2010 | Woodburn

The Woodburn visit was the final school site visit in 2010, capping off another great year of helping to improve the oral health of Oregon’s children. Since the Tooth Taxi launched in late fall 2008 we have visited 113 schools/sites all over the State of Oregon, and served over 8,000 children while delivering $2,138,272 in donated dental services.

Enjoy the last Tooth Taxi Adventure for 2010!

Tis’ the season of sharing. Washington Elementary students in Woodburn pitched in with a food drive for the local Love Santa program. Love Santa, an annual event generated excitement and competition with classrooms. Students hauled heavy boxes of food to the lobby where they were picked up and delivered to the Armory. Local families will benefit with food and gift boxes.

Local families will benefit with food and gift boxes

We welcomed Dr. Cristina Rust who will be joining us part-time while we are in the Portland area. We ran dual screening stations with her & Dr. Rudell. Dr. Rust treated a range of students this week including several memorable high school students; one 16 year old boy who had never been to the dentist.

The ODS/OEBB Children’s Program is a great resource for students that need services we are not able to provide on the Tooth Taxi. Last week we saw a young student that needs oral surgery services; the school health assistant will work on getting him enrolled and treated.

Measures of success: a happy patient with assistant Chanel after treatment. Return visit – this young girl came to the van 2 days after her first appointment, smiling and still wearing her numb and Tooth Taxi stickers!

Volunteers:

New volunteer Dr. Matthew McCleery from Bend joined us on the Tooth Taxi last week. Dr. McCleery is a frequent volunteer on the MTI van and has visited some of the areas that the Tooth Taxi has been to in Central Oregon.

Returning hygienist Stacey Wismer provided cleanings, sealants and classroom oral hygiene education for students.

From the kid gallery:

“You guys are professionals?” (4th grader after her tooth had been extracted)

“I love that white horse” (watching Shrek on the monitor above the chair)

“Do we need jackets?” He gives me his jacket before getting in the dental chair, “’ ’Cuz I have 5 shirts on.”

“I asked for one thing for Christmas, a cow.” A cow? “Yeah, because we have a lot of grass and they eat a lot of grass.”

“Why do you work in a taxi cab?”

“Do I have any calories?” (meaning cavities)

Realities from the road:

A high school student we treated was at the Oregon Mission of Mercy (MOM) in November. Her entire family joined the line at 4:00 a.m. She told us it was “so cold, and so long, some people got sick.” They were appreciative of the services received. This young woman had two appointments in the Tooth Taxi with us in Woodburn and her treatment was completed; donated services $992.00.

Volunteer Stacey Wismer RDH and Tooth Taxi assistant Stephanie Vogl gave a hygiene presentation for teen parents at the high school’s Creative Learning Center. Three teen Moms were present with 2 young ones in tow – 9 months and 13 months. They taught the parents about their own oral health care and then about caring for their children. They also demonstrated brushing techniques on the children. All the parents were given toothbrush kits for themselves and their children. The teacher said that she learned a lot of new information as well, all were very thankful for us coming to teach them.

Other notes:

• 50% of students screened needed treatment
• 50% needed no treatment.
• Tooth Taxi miles driven: 76

Stats: Washington Elem – Woodburn Dec.13-17, 2010:

• 98 students screened
• 121 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom
• 57 students treated in the van
• $27,998 value of free dental services provided.

Summary

Tooth Taxi, September 4, 2008- December 17, 2010

• 8503 students screened
• 4825 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom
• 3271 students treated in the van
• $2,137,179 value of free dental services provided.