Tooth Taxi Marks First Year of Serving Students in Towns Near You!

One out of four Oregon kids never see a dentist. For more than a year, the Tooth Taxi has successfully sought to remedy that by bringing the dentist to the kids!

On September 2009, a joint project between OEA Choice Trust and ODS Companies hit the road to trek all across Oregon to bring full dental services to locations and students lacking easy access to dental care. 22 of 36 Oregon counties have a shortage of dental professionals. In the past year, the Tooth Taxi has served 4,000 children and delivered more than $1 million in free dental care.

"As an educator institution, we're able to get into a lot of schools and schedule these visits where there is a lot of need," explained OEA Choice Trust Executive Director Steve McNanny. "ODS is able to bring in the dental professionals and resources to service these kids in their communities."

The program has been a wonderful volunteer opportunity for dentists and their staff. Dentists, hygienists, and assistants have already provided hundreds of hours of their time in the van this past year.

The Dental Foundation of Oregon (DFO) runs the Tooth Taxi and is funded by foundations, companies, and individuals who care about the oral health of Oregon’s less fortunate children. Contributions are tax deductible. For more information and how you can get involved visit: www.SmileOnOregon.org

Pictured: Dr. Megan Sapp with patient.