Dental mobile office coming to city

Staff reports/submitted news

A mobile dentist office offering low-cost care to needy area residents has scheduled two stops in Van Wert.

Established in 1910 by a group of Toledo dentists, the Dental Center of Northwest Ohio takes pride in providing quality dental care for people of all ages with limited incomes. The Dental Center is a not-for-profit agency with a mission that includes prevention of oral diseases as well as treatment.

After several years of providing dental care to rural counties with the Smile Express, a mobile dental office, needed upgrades to stay current with technology. After three months of upgrades and remodeling, this 40-foot dental office on wheels is ready to get on the road again. The Smile Express comes as a two operatory dental office complete with its own digital x-ray equipment, water supply, and generator.  Licensed dentists and dental hygienists can provide dental cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, extractions, and dentures.

The Smile Express makes regular trips to the Family Health Care of Northwest Ohio in Van Wert. The next two dates are February 7 and March 20. Appointments can be made for the Smile Express by calling 1.866.378.6965. Additional locations can be arranged by contacting the Dental Center.

Dental care remains the largest unmet health care need for Ohio’s citizens regardless of race or ethnicity.  The downturn of the economy, with lost jobs and lost benefits, has made the Dental Center a viable option for many families who would otherwise go without professional dental care.

With its headquarters in Toledo, the Dental Center treats persons of all ages with income at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. The Dental Center accepts most dental insurances, including Medicaid and Medicaid HMOs. Reduced fees are available for people without dental insurance. Uninsured children can be seen for $25 per appointment.

The Dental Center supports two offices in Toledo, Tooth Towne, an office for children and Uptowne Smiles, an adult office at 2138 Madison Avenue.  Findlay Smiles, located at The Family Center at 1800 N. Blanchard, treats people of all ages. Appointments in Findlay can be made by calling 419.422.7664, while appointments in Toledo can be made by calling 419.241.6215.