In 2002, the first UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry Mobile Dental Van hit the road, with A-dec donated equipment onboard. After 130,000 miles and 20 years of service, the school retired this maiden van and replaced it with a new one featuring three state-of-the-art operatories and a wheelchair lift. A-dec is honored for the opportunity to again donate equipment to fully outfit the van, including: three sets of A-dec 300 dental chairs with deliveries and assistant’s arms, dental lights, and A-dec 500 doctor and assistant’s stools.
Staffed by students and faculty from the School of Dentistry, the travelling dental clinic delivers free preventive and treatment services to adults who otherwise cannot afford or access care. Many patients also have minimal oral health knowledge, so their visit to the Mobile Dental Van provides an opportunity for important education on practices that can promote lasting oral health. And it’s equally valuable for the students. Several dozen dental students complete a three-week rotation with the van, gaining experience serving the less fortunate, growing their knowledge and skills, and experiencing life-changes moments with many of their patients.
We look forward to continually doing our part to support UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry on their road to providing dental care to those in need. Here’s to many more healthy smiles!
