June 3, 2013 by Mary Daly
 The Tooth made its first visit to Odell in the scenic Hood River Valley. When we first pulled into Mid Valley Elementary we were greeted by the curious eyes of students who were lined up outside, ready for a trip to the swimming pool. With the end of the school year just a week away, the Tooth Taxi joined an array of exciting end-of-the-year festivities. Amidst the classroom parties, field trips, and year-end tests, students were still excited about seeing the guests from the Tooth Taxi walk through the hallways.
 Tami, our volunteer hygienist was in her element at Mid Valley Elementary. She was excited when she saw each student walk into
the small classroom where our portable unit
was stationed, and the students emulated her
positive attitude. She worked well with the students' crazy fun-filled day, adjusting her schedule as needed.
 Friday was an especially exciting day, featuring the fourth graders presentation of Jack and the Beanstalk. Between the theater performance and class field trips to the pool our schedule looked nothing like what we had planned. Dr. Bruce Burton and his assistant, Carrie Matthews, adapted quickly to an ever-changing schedule.
This school has a high percentage of Hispanic students and the secretary helped to make calls to families to convey appointments and dental information in Spanish.
Volunteers:
Tami Mallon Hukari, RDH
Dr. Bruce Burton and assistant Carrie Matthews
From the kid gallery:
A boy in Catherine's classroom presentation described his dad's dentures saying, "My dad had his teeth taken out and placed in removable gums!"
One girl, referring to Dr. Moffitt said,
"I brushed my teeth like the boy teacher told me to yesterday."
A student yelled down the hallway, "I like your van!"
Other notes:
71% of students screened needed treatment
29% needed no treatment.
Stats:
Odell, Mid Valley Elementary, June 3-7, 2013
| • |
34 students screened |
| • |
28 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom |
| • |
41 appointments in the van |
| • |
$16,391 value of free dental services provided. |
Summary
Tooth Taxi, September 4, 2008 – June 7, 2013
| • |
13,502 students screened |
| • |
13,111 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom |
| • |
6,440 students treated in the van |
| • |
$3,680,973 value of free dental services provided. |
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