Ronald McDonald House's mobile dental unit deployed to battle tooth decay

MINNEAPOLIS-- According to Ronald McDonald House Charities, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States. It is five times more common than asthma.

Help has come to parents, whose despite having children with tooth decay, can't afford the cost of a visit to an office. It's thanks to Ronald McDonald House Charities and the Care Mobile. The 40-foot long unit is a dental office on wheels.  It includes two fully-operational exam rooms and all the tools necessary to battle tooth decay.

"Our goal is to take on tooth decay by providing access to our services," Gretchen Ambrosier of Ronald McDonald House Charities said of the Care Mobile.

Today in south Minneapolis, about a dozen clients of Reuben Lindh Family Services are getting screenings and other services. Fluoride treatments, sealants, x-rays and fillings are all provided at the Care Mobile. If further dental work is necessary staff in the Care Mobile can refer families to area clinics for futher treatment. A sliding scale is used for determining fees for services.

"The families that we work with, unfortunately, tooth care might not be a high priority for them.  So it's difficult for them to get to the dentist," Reuben Lindh Familiy Services Executive Director Diane Dianne Haulcy said.

Reuben Lindh Family Services helps more than 1,800 children and their families each year. Programs and services are aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty.  The Care Mobile is in line with that mission.

Ronald McDonald House Charities rolled out the Care Mobile in October. It hopes to serve about 1,500 clients a year with its Care Mobile.

Read more about Ronald McDonald House Charities: http://www.rmhtwincities.org/

Read more about Reuben Lindh Family Services: http://www.reubenlindh.org/

Check out our KARE family of Web sites:
	takeKARE		Metromix
	Moms Like Me		Minnesota Bound
	Showcase Minnesota		HighSchoolSports.net