Success Stories
On The Road Again: A Tooth Taxi Update
by Mary Daly, Program Manager, Tooth Taxi
Update Number 53 | February 1st- 4th, 2010 | Cloverdale
Cloverdale a town of approximately 250 residents is located along the Nestucca River in South Tillamook County. Nestucca Valley Elementary School nestled between dairy farms is perched just above HWY 101. Principal Nick Gelbard and community volunteers were very appreciative of our program and actively provided support for the Tooth Taxi team during the week.
The Tooth Taxi team also stopped at the high school to screen students for possible treatment.
Visitors:
Barb Sabin RDH who was instrumental in bringing the Tooth Taxi to schools in Tillamook County. Barb works for Dr. Lee Long in Tillamook.
Retired dentist Dr. Charles Wingard.
From the kid gallery:
2nd grader during screening: “All the teeth that are blank are lost, I’m growing them in.”
Patient: “I can’t believe you turned my teeth into silver, that’s awesome!”
Patient: “Am I going to get another cap?” Dr. Heringer: “I think so.” Patient: “Oh cool! Can I have a gold one this time?”
Realities from the road: the Pepsi truck next to the Tooth Taxi.
Other notes:
61% of students screened needed treatment.
39% needed no treatment.
Fringe benefits of the job:
Retired dentist Dr. Charles Wingard & Dr. Heringer
Dr. Wingard prepared a delicious meal for the Tooth Taxi team hosting them for an evening at his home.
Stats:
Nestucca Valley Feb. 1-4, 2010:
- 66 students screened
- 40 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom
- 19 students treated in the van
- $16,351 value of free dental services provided.
Summary:
Tooth Taxi, September 4, 2008- Feb. 4, 2010
- 5613 students screened
- 1609 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom
- 2167 students treated in the van
- $1,435,048 value of free dental services provided.
Next week on the road: Bohemia Elementary in Cottage Grove