Mobile Dental Van Returns

Inactive for nearly a year for maintenance and up­grades, the Mobile Dental Van is back up and running, ready to meet area needs. The van is operated through Northwest Medical Teams International, a mission or­ganization providing medi­cal assistance to the needy worldwide. According to their website at http://www.medi­calteams.org the "Mobile Dental Program provides free, urgent dental care to low-income children and adults who lack insurance or a realistic way to pay for treatment. The service is pro­vided in Minnesota, Oregon and Washington."

The First Presbyterian Church in Waitsburg makes local visits possible by in­cluding the van as part of their mission support; com­mitting to pay the sponsor- required site fees to bring the van to Waitsburg three times per year. Site fees are relatively low and cover the cost of supplies, gas and van maintenance. The van is staffed by local dentists who volunteer their time as well as the van driver, Debbie Hanson of Walla Walla, who is a qualified assistant.

Area coordinator Roberta Skiles, who has worked with the program since June of 2001, makes appointments for area residents and acts as receptionist during the van visits. "The people who come in are so grateful," said Skiles. "Sometimes I feel bad that we just can't get every­one on."

The van typically serves six to seven patients each visit with an approximate $3000 to $4500 in dental ser­vices donated. From 2001 to 2012, the van has served 255 Waitsburg patients.