All Aboard the Tooth Taxi

On The Road Again: A Tooth Taxi Update

by Mary Daly, Program Manager, Tooth Taxi
Update Number 58 | March 1, 2010 | Glendale

Glendale and Portland both started out as settlements in the mid-1800’s named “Stumptown”; one for an economy based on logging and the later for the city’s rapid growth requiring land to be cleared quickly and the stumps left behind. It was a quiet week for the Tooth Taxi in Glendale. Glendale, a town of less than 1,000 people is nestled in the beautiful valley of Cow Creek in Southwest Oregon. Glendale’s beauty and outdoor lifestyle is summed up by this notation on the school district’s website: “Glendale school children have historically come from families where hunting, fishing and logging are the normal seasons of the year.” We are always surprised to see the big cola company trucks at schools and it’s quite an irony to have them parked next to the Tooth Taxi. James, our assistant summed up this photo as “job security”.

Stephanie, our new dental assistant was busy providing cleanings for many of the students without decay. When Stephanie is performing her EFDA role, James assists Dr. Heringer. Stephanie, escorting a student back to class after cleaning heard this from her patient: “I’ve always wanted to go to the dentist and I never had, thanks so much for cleaning my teeth.”

James & Stephanie

From the kid gallery:

“I went to a dentist in California and when he went to give me a shot I screamed so loud that I could be heard in three states.”

Dr. Heringer: “How’s your mouth today?” Patient: “We don’t have math today.”

James, “How are those teeth that we fixed yesterday?” Patient: “Good, well actually it’s nice 'cause they don’t hurt anymore.”

Realities from the road:

School secretary, “It’s great that the Tooth Taxi has been able to help one of our families so much. Their dad was injured on the job and can no longer work as a bridge builder and their mother works at home. They really need the help and are extremely grateful for all you have done for their children and their family.” We treated all of the kids (4) at a value of over $2,300.00.

Other notes:

52% of students screened needed treatment.

48% needed no treatment.

The Parkrose School Board in Portland invited us to their meeting as they wanted to recognize the services of the Tooth Taxi. Holly Spruance (OEA Choice Trust) and I attended the meeting and received a Certificate of Recognition. The Tooth Taxi has served 2 schools in the Parkrose District.

Fringe benefits of the job:

Rainbow
A full rainbow!

Glendale Elem Stats March 1-4, 2010:

50 students screened
77 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom
22 students treated in the van
$14,215 value of free dental services provided.

Summary

Tooth Taxi, September 4, 2008- March 4, 2010

5972 students screened
2168 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom
2283 students treated in the van
$1,522,466 value of free dental services provided.

Next week on the road:
Driftwood Elementary in Port Orford and Madison Elementary in Coos Bay