Success Stories
On The Road Again: A Tooth Taxi Update
by Mary Daly, Program Manager, Tooth Taxi
Update Number 50 | January 11, 2010 | Sacramento Elementary
Our first week back after the holiday break took us to Parkrose School District in NE Multnomah County situated above the Columbia River. At the outskirts of the gorge we had a week of rain and strong winds! Sacramento school has been selected as a National Title I Distinguished School by Oregon Department of Education. This award is given to a school in Oregon that has accomplished exemplary work in closing the achievement gap for English Language Learner students. Approximately 25% of their students are considered English Language Learners. In addition, 15 different languages are spoken in the homes of Sacramento Elementary students. The Tooth Taxi treated a very diverse student population. Add photo of Sacramento students headed out at the end of the day.
While Dr. Heringer was on vacation the Tooth Taxi was “manned” by an all female volunteer dentist crew including new volunteers: Dr. Emily Cortes, Dr. Patricia Ridgley & assistant Wendy Rodgers, Dr. Victoria Moore & ODS volunteer assistant Jamie Allfrey, ODA President-Elect Dr. Teri Barichello & assistant Nicki Colby, Dr. Laura Matin & assistant Sherry Hawkins and returning dentist Dr. Andrea Beltzner with new assistant Jenni Sadlier. Jamie Allfrey (EFDA) also spent a day providing cleanings, sealants, and oral hygiene instructions to students who did not need restorative care. We also had general volunteers from Dentists Benefits Insurance Co. (DBIC): Kia Cha and Laurie Green.
Sacramento Principal Ms. Stevie Blakley, Parkrose School District Business Manager Mary Larson, and MESD Nurse Gail Wade also visited the van to see the team in action.
From the kid gallery:
Patient to friend after receiving two days of treatment: “I like the dentist! The Tooth Taxi is so fun!”
Dental Assistant: “Has anyone ever shown you how to floss before?” Patient: “I’ve watched it on TV.”
James asked a patient: “Are you always this good?” Patient: “Not at the real dentist cuz it hurts a little.”
A teacher stopped me outside to tell me she had a student who told her the dental taxi was so much fun. She said “And he got a crown!” “I don’t know what you’re doing but thank you.”
Other notes:
48% of students screened needed treatment.
52% needed no treatment.
The Tooth Taxi is often in the right place at the right time, Sacramento was no exception. On our last morning at the school I was approached by an aide about a young boy (accompanied by his Mom) who broke off his front tooth the previous day. Dr. Barichello treated the student – see his before and after pictures. The family was very thankful to have his front tooth fixed!
Fringe benefits of the job:
Working locally, no hotel stays!
Stats:
Sacramento Elem. Jan. 11-15, 2010:
- 63 students screened
- 0 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom
- 38 students treated in the van
- $16,089 value of free dental services provided.
Summary:
Tooth Taxi, September 4, 2008- Jan. 15, 2010
- 5400 students screened
- 1259 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom
- 2108 students treated in the van
- $1,383,732 value of free dental services provided.
Next week on the road: East Elementary School in Tillamook