Dental Foundation of Oregon - Tooth Taxi

Children in Oregon have some of the worst oral health in our nation. Because of poverty, lack of access, and other social and economic issues, Oregon children suffer more dental pain and infection than children in almost any other state. Poor oral health affects overall health, and, when left untreated, may cause greater problems in the future.

The Tooth Taxi needs volunteer dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants, that enjoy working with children to help care for patients when it comes to your town. Dentists and their staff members find volunteering on the Tooth Taxi an excellent way to help those less fortunate and demonstrate the commitment to service in the community where you live and work – and volunteers report it is a great team building experience. Come spend a day or half-day on the Tooth Taxi and help make a difference.

New to the Tooth Taxi?

The van is a state-of-the-art mobile dental clinic that is staffed with a full-time dentist and assistant; the van travels the state providing free dental care to school children. In our model, students are screened by our staff dentist the first day and rated for their level of decay; based on those findings and other factors, qualifying children are scheduled for appointments in the Tooth Taxi.

What Is Required to Volunteer?

For dentists, a current Oregon dental license in good standing, professional liability insurance and current credentialing by ODS. If you are interested in volunteering but are missing one of these components, please contact the Tooth Taxi Program Manager to discuss the situation. For hygienists, a current Oregon license in good standing is required.

I Have Signed Up, What Should I Expect on The Tooth Taxi?

Volunteer dentists are asked to bring a copy of their license, proof of professional liability, protective eyewear, and wear scrubs or a lab jacket. Please let us know ahead of time if you are left-handed and we'll get the chair set up for you. After a brief orientation, you'll have the opportunity to review x-rays and charts for scheduled patients. Tooth Taxi services provided are x-rays, cleanings, sealants, fillings and minor oral surgery.

We ask that volunteer dentists bring their own assistant if possible. We do not always have an assistant available for our volunteers. If you want to volunteer and are unable to bring an assistant, please contact the Tooth Taxi Program Manager.

Volunteer hygienists provide a much-needed service of cleanings and sealants to students that do not need restorative care. Hygienists frequently work from the portable unit which is located in the school. Hygienists need to bring a copy of their license.

Many dentists, assistants and hygienists have volunteered on the Tooth Taxi and they would tell you the Tooth Taxi is organized, the equipment first-class and the experience very rewarding. It's a great opportunity to help demonstrate that dentistry is giving back to the community.

CONTACT: 

Carrie Peterson, Tooth Taxi Program Manager

503-329-8877, Carrie.Peterson@modahealth.com