All Aboard the Tooth Taxi
On The Road Again: A Tooth Taxi Update
by Mary Daly, Program Manager, Tooth Taxi
Update Number 71 |June 7, 2010 | North Powellhurst
North Powellhurst kindergarten school in outer SE Portland was a one-stop shop the week of June 7th. As a student you could get a free haircut, free dental care and a free food box for the weekend. This is one busy school, home to 275 kindergartners. We found out about North Powellhurst when it was featured in The Oregonian in January - as a unique kindergarten only school and as the recipient of the unique Urban Gleaners food program. To learn more about this school that Principal Kate Barker watches over, check out The Oregonian articles:
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2010/01/pint-sized_students_rule_the_c.html
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/01/portland_nonprofit_distributes.html
Volunteers:
With a Kindergarten only school it was an opportunity for Portland area Pediatric dentists to volunteer. Dr. Eric Downey and his assistant Amanda Helvik had their first experience on the Tooth Taxi. Dr. Downey often provides donated services in his office so a different perspective working out of a mobile van.
Returning pediatric volunteers Dr. Andrea Beltzner and Dr. Peter Lax.
Dr. Erica Waldau who will be our Tooth Taxi staff dentist for the summer joined us Monday for orientation. Dr. Waldau volunteered with us last summer and we are pleased that she’ll be keeping the Tooth Taxi rolling this summer.
From the kid gallery:
Patient: “Hey guys, you might want to take it easy on me ‘cause I just got my adenoids out.”
Patient: “Guys, I can actually taste this, it tastes like cupcakes.”
“When I grow up I’m gonna play the guitar, play basketball and work in the Tooth Taxi.”
“I have 4 teeth growing.”
“Don’t take it out harder, it hurts when I cry.”
“It’s got blood on the side, its gonna’ be gross.”
A patient on her 2nd visit to the van: “You know what it smells like today? Strawberry cupcake.”
“Jesus got a silver tooth too.” (referring to her classmate)
Patient looking in the mirror: “My silver tooth matches my silver earring.”
“My mother let me taste vinegar, you know what? it tastes like pickles.”
Realities from the road:
Dr.Heringer: “Your mother is going to be so proud of you.” Patient: “I only live with my dad.”
Other notes:
- 59% of students screened needed treatment.
- 41% needed no treatment.
- Tooth Taxi miles driven: 44
The Northwest College School of Beauty students giving kindergartners fresh haircuts to start off their summer. This hallway space just off the front office was always hopping. After haircuts, on Thursday Urban Gleaners moved in with supplies to pack up food boxes. Visit their website to learn more about their unique program to pick up edible food from farmers markets, restaurants, grocery stores and event sites, and deliver to local agencies to feed the hungry. http://www.urbangleaners.org/
Stats: N.Powellhurst Kindergarten School June 7-10, 2010
- 51 students screened
- 62 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom
- 35 students treated in the van
- $20,885 value of free dental services provided.
Summary
Tooth Taxi, September 4, 2008- June 10, 2010
- 6683 students screened
- 3225 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom
- 2663 students treated in the van
- $1,730,576 value of free dental services provided.