Mobile Dental Center

Taking Good Health to the Street

"Union Settlement Child Care Services is privileged to have the services of the Mobile Dental Center.  Our families and children have benefitted from their invaluable care."
 - Rosemary Obiapi, Director, Union Settlement Child Care Services

The Mobile Dental Center travels to 45 day care and Head Start centers in Northern Manhattan, providing comprehensive dental care to 3,000 children, ages 3 to 5, during every school year.

"I think the dental van is a great opportunity for the children instead of a regular clinic," said one local parent.  "We didn't have to wait very long, and there were less fear for me as well as my daughter."

During the summer months, the mbile center offers free dental screenings at senior centers in Washington Heights, Inwood, and Harlem, sponsors health fairs and events, and provides free oral cancer screenings in Northern Manhattan.

The fully equipped Mobile Dental Center is staffed by a dentist, pediatric resident, dental hygienist, dental assistant, and driver.  It is accessible for people with disabilities and includes a chairlift.

The program is produced by a partnership among the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, Children's Aid Society, Crest Healthy Smiles 2010, and the Community Dentcare Network.