All Aboard the Tooth Taxi
On The Road Again: A Tooth Taxi Update
by Mary Daly, Program Manager, Tooth Taxi
Update Number 60 | March 15, 2010 | Port Orford
Port Orford on the Southern Oregon Coast in Curry County is known for its open water dock, (no natural protection) and boasts the only drydock port on the west coast. The fishing boats are lifted in and out of the water by operated cranes set on custom made dollies, and parked in rows on the dock.; known as a "dolly dock". Port Orford has a long history as a fishing and lumber port where Port Orford cedar was once plentiful and used in plane construction during World War II. The Tooth Taxi was securely tucked in between buildings for their stay with gorgeous but windy weather.
Everyone gets into the spirit of green on St. Patrick’s Day, no Irish blood needed!
The “green team”: Stephanie, patient and Dr. Heringer.
Realities from the road:
Dr. Heringer: “So how’s the crabbing business?” Patient: We’re getting by, but things like this really help.”
Dr. Heringer received a call from a high school student’s Mom who thanked him for all the treatment that was received; she was quite emotional about it.
Other notes:
- 42% of students screened needed treatment.
- 58% needed no treatment.
Fringe benefits of the job:
A sunny day on the Oregon Coast.
More sightings of wild turkeys and herds of elk.
Stats – Port Orford, March 15-17, 2010:
- 38 students screened
- 0 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom
- 15 students treated in the van
- $9,126 value of free dental services provided.
Summary
Tooth Taxi, September 4, 2008- March 19, 2010
- 6063 students screened
- 2278 students received oral hygiene education in the classroom
- 2318 students treated in the van
- $1,544,364 value of free dental services provided.
Next week on the road: Crooked River Elementary in Prineville (Crook Co.)
Next weeks recap: No recap next week. Spring break has been a week of taking care of Tooth Taxi maintenance. James, our assistant is in Africa (Uganda) for the next 2 weeks on a dental mission trip with Medical Teams International (MTI). Recaps will return the week of April 5th and will include 1st quarter 2010 stats.