Success Stories
On The Road Again: A Tooth Taxi Update
by Mary Daly, Program Manager, Tooth Taxi
Update Number 43 | November 9, 2009 | Metzger & Scio
Metzger Elementary school in Tigard was happy to have the Tooth Taxi return for a short visit to continue treatment on students seen last June. This is a very diverse school; 39 languages represented and a high percentage of students on the free & reduced lunch program. Ironically this school is located right behind Lincoln Towers off rt. 217 and across from Washington Square Mall. We continued treatment on students seen in June and treated new students as well. Michelle our assistant provided cleanings and sealants for kids.
From the kid gallery:
“My brother likes to eat candy.”
“That’s the best cartoon I ever seen.”
“My sister likes the Jonas Brothers.”
“Wait, I’ve got to tell you something, you’re the best doctor.”
Dr. Heringer told patient: “I’m going to fix that front tooth of yours.” patient: “I’m so happy I’m going to explode.”
Teacher opens TT Door at end of day and shouts, “We love you Tooth Taxi!”
Fringe benefits of the job:
Subway sandwiches compliments of the school delivered in a SMART car.
Tigard stats:
November 9 - 10, 2009
- 10 students screened
- 120 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom
- 18 students treated in the van
- $9,239 value of free dental services provided.
After Veteran’s Day the Tooth Taxi headed to the Willamette Valley for its second visit to Centennial Elementary in Scio. OEA Choice Trust rep Jim Jobes was our ‘johnny-on-the-spot’ volunteer, heading to Burkhart offices in Springfield to procure a water bottle for our unit that was damaged in transit.
Jim and the revered water bottle
New volunteer to the Tooth Taxi Dr. Kurt Delong
Visitors:
ODA member Dr. Patrick Hagerty and his wife Stephanie, individuals very familiar with the Tooth Taxi program accompanied State Rep. Sherrie Sprenger for a Tooth Taxi tour and visit. Christina Swartz, ODA Public and Professional Education Coordinator is working on getting the State Representatives out to the Tooth Taxi when we are in their districts.
Rep. Sprenger and Dr. Hagerty
Scio stats:
November 12 - 13, 2009
- 30 students screened
- 0 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom
- 14 students treated in the van
- $8,818 value of free dental services provided.
Summary:
Tooth Taxi, September 4, 2008- November 13, 2009
- 5105 students screened
- 1259 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom
- 1954 students treated in the van
- $1,229,822 value of free dental services provided.
Next week on the road:
Gates Elementary School, Gates (Santiam Canyon school district)
Next weeks recap:
A.C.Houghton Elementary in Irrigon
Regards, Mary