Skaggs Foundation,
CoxHealth partner to make new Jordan Valley Community Health Center purchase
possible
A new state-of the-art
mobile medical and dental unit is now serving Taney and Stone counties thanks
to a partnership between Skaggs Foundation, CoxHealth and Jordan Valley
Community Health Center.
The unit, which is
operated by Jordan Valley Community Health Center, travels between school
districts in the two-county area providing free immunizations, well-child
visits, sick visits, sports physicals, screening and extensive dental care to
qualified children between the ages of preschool and high school. The list of
dental services available on board include comprehensive and periodic
evaluations, X-rays, restorative care, cleanings, crowns, space maintainers,
fluoride varnish applications, sealants and extractions.
The unit, which has been
named Hope, went into operation in August and since that time 19 children have
received vision screenings, 33 children have been given immunizations and 133
children were provided dental services.
The unit travels to the
schools and providers collaborate with school nurses, alleviating many of the
barriers parents often face when getting their child care.
“I recently saw an
11-year-old little girl who will require root canals and crowns on all four of
her severely decayed front teeth – teeth that have only been present for a few
years,” explains Dr. Janis Scott, a Jordan Valley dentist who works on the
mobile unit. “The child has Medicaid. She could have routinely been seen at no
cost in our clinic right around the corner to prevent these issues, however,
she was not seen until we came to her.”
Dr. Scott said having a
mobile unit dedicated to Taney and Stone counties allows her and her team the
opportunity to provide complete care to more students at more schools.
While Hope is equipped to
provide medical and dental care, it is also beautiful, modern and complete with
TVs on the ceiling to distract children during procedures.
“The children are seen by
a dentist and staff who love children,” Dr. Scott says. “I treat and diagnose
every patient like they were my very own. I have practiced dentistry for 15
years and take great pride in my work. I can always spot my fillings by their
carved anatomy and polished craftsmanship. I tell you this not to boast, but to
assure you that the mobile unit is not only serving a need, it is delivering
high quality dentistry in a top-notch environment.”
Funds to purchase the
unit were made possible through Skaggs Foundation.
“We are honored to be a
part of such an important purchase that will impact the health and wellness of
thousands of children in our community,” says Skaggs Foundation President
Meghan Connell. “Without the generosity of our incredible supporters, this
would not be possible.”
To learn more about
Skaggs Foundation, call 348-8998 or visit SkaggsFoundation.org.
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