Thursday, December 1, 2016

New mobile medical and dental unit delivers care to students


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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