Mobile Dental Clinic coming to Blue River

A nonprofit mobile dental clinic would like to come to the Blue River area in April. The “Caring Hand to Mouth” clinic will provide free dental care to low-income local residents. The main services offered will be extractions, fillings, and cleanings.

The clinic operates in a specially equipped truck, and is staffed by dental professionals.

It has been providing free dental care in other rural communities around Lane County. Low-income residents who have no dental care are eligible, but they do need to sign up in advance. One-page application forms are available at the McKenzie River Medical Clinic in Blue River, right across the street from the post office.

Caring Hand to Mouth is a nonprofit organization founded by Fall Creek dentist Cedric Hayden (son of Cedric Hayden Sr., a former 14-year member of the Oregon legislature.) It provides free dental care to low-income people in Lane County, and also at clinics in Micronesia and Africa.

“Oregon has one of the country’s highest rates of childhood dental diseases,” Hayden notes. Many adults also can’t afford vital dental care. Bad teeth are not only painful, but can cause other health problems. “Poor dental health definitely contributes to other physical health problems,” confirms FNP Mary Sherman.

In order for the mobile clinic to come to this area, at least ten patients need to qualify, by submitting the simple one-page application. Ask for a copy at the McKenzie River Clinic, or call 541-822-3341.

Image above: A free mobile dental clinic could make a local stop if there’s enough interest.