Did you know 90% of adults between ages 20 and 64 have faced tooth decay? Now, imagine not having access to regular dental care to prevent or treat it. For many Americans in underserved areas, that’s the reality. They need dental care but face barriers to getting it, such as distance and limited resources. There is a frustrating gap for many dental organizations: How can you provide essential dental services when patients can’t easily reach you?
Minor dental issues can spiral into severe health problems without regular care, impacting quality of life. But here’s the vision: a world where dental care is accessible to everyone, wherever they are. A mobile dental clinic makes that possible, closing the access gap and helping your organization bring care directly to those who need it.
AVAN Mobility has spent over a decade removing healthcare barriers with innovative mobile medical units. While we aren’t the only manufacturer, our commitment to reducing healthcare gaps and saving lives is unmatched.
In this article, we’ll explore:
- What a mobile dental clinic is
- Barriers Americans face to receiving dental care
- Vehicles that can be used as mobile dental clinics
- Services provided by mobile dental clinics
By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how a mobile dental clinic can make quality dental care accessible for all.
Mobile dental clinic: what is it, and how does it work?
Think of a mobile dental clinic as a dental office on wheels. It’s designed to bring dental care to people who can’t easily get to a regular dentist. Instead of patients needing to travel far, a mobile clinic comes right to their community—whether it’s a school, community center, or rural area.
Here’s how a mobile dental clinic works:
Built like a regular clinic: Mobile dental clinics are equipped with everything needed for basic dental care, such as dental chairs, X-ray machines, and tools to clean teeth.
Staffed by professionals: Dentists and dental assistants travel with the van to give exams, cleanings, and even basic treatments.
Quick setup: Mobile dental clinics can start seeing patients almost anywhere, making it easy to provide regular care.
Why is this so important? Almost 60 million Americans don’t have regular access to dental care because of cost or distance. Small issues like cavities can become painful, serious problems without regular dental checkups. Mobile dental clinics help solve this by bringing care directly to people who need it.
The bottom line: Mobile dental clinics make it easy and convenient for people to get the dental care they need without long trips or high costs.
What are the top 5 barriers to dental care in the U.S.?
Several barriers prevent people from getting dental care throughout the U.S. Let’s take a look at the top five.
1. Rural locations
Getting to a dentist is nearly impossible for people in remote areas like Owyhee, Nevada. These places often have very few dental clinics nearby, making regular care hard to access. That’s where a mobile dental clinic makes a difference. It brings dental care right to people in rural communities who might otherwise go without it.
2. High costs
For many, dental care costs too much. Even a basic cleaning can be pricey, especially without insurance. With limited budgets, families may skip regular visits, risking bigger health issues later. A mobile dental van can offer lower-cost services, making dental care more affordable and accessible.
3. Limited transportation
Without reliable transportation, getting to a dental office can be a struggle. For many, a dental mobile clinic that comes directly to their community is the best option. Direct mobile dental service removes the need for people to find a way to a clinic, making it easier for everyone to get the dental care they need.
4. Busy schedules
For many people, balancing work, family, and other responsibilities makes it hard to fit dental visits into their day. This is especially true for parents or those with multiple jobs. A mobile dental unit can address this by providing care at convenient times and locations, making it easier to fit into a busy schedule. Patients can get dental treatment close to home without needing to rearrange their entire day.
5. Low awareness of mobile dental care options
While some people may Google ‘mobile dental clinics near me’, some may not even know these types of clinics exist. Without awareness of these clinics, communities miss out on valuable services like mobile dental hygiene and mobile dental cleaning. Increasing awareness can help connect more people to mobile dental care.
What vehicles can be used as a mobile dental clinic?
Mobile dental clinics can be built in different types of vehicles, depending on what’s needed. Here are some options:
Vans: Great for smaller clinics that offer basic services like exams and cleanings. They’re easy to drive and can park in tight spaces.
RVs: These offer more room than vans and can fit more equipment. An RV can be set up with extra space for a larger team or more supplies.
Buses: Ideal for high-demand areas, buses have enough space for multiple workstations. They can handle a full dental setup with room to spare.
Trucks and trailers: Trailers are handy for setting up a clinic temporarily, while trucks are flexible for moving between locations easily.
Each vehicle type works well for different needs, so the best choice depends on the services offered and the areas served.
What mobile dental services can mobile dental clinics offer?
A mobile dental clinic can provide many of the same services as a regular dental office. Here’s what they usually offer:
Exams and cleanings: Regular check-ups and mobile dental cleaning are key to keeping teeth healthy. A mobile dental hygienist handles cleanings and checks for any signs of trouble.
X-rays and imaging: Some mobile dental units have special mobile dental imaging equipment that takes X-rays right on-site. This helps dentists catch problems early without needing another appointment.
Fillings and extractions: Mobile clinics can also do basic treatments like filling cavities and simple extractions if a tooth is too damaged to fix.
Preventive care and education: Many mobile dental services focus on teaching patients how to care for their teeth. This includes tips on brushing, flossing, and healthy eating for strong teeth.
These services make dental care more convenient and accessible for people who might not otherwise see a dentist.
Who benefits from a mobile dental clinic?
Mobile dental services are a huge help to people who might not be able to get to a regular dentist’s office. Here’s who benefits most:
Kids in schools: Mobile dental clinics can go right to schools, offering dental check-ups and cleanings. This helps kids get care without missing class or needing a parent to take them.
Seniors in community centers: A mobile dental unit can be set up at community centers or assisted living homes for seniors or those who have trouble getting around. This makes it easier to get regular check-ups.
People in rural areas: Mobile dental vans bring care closer to home for those in remote places, so people facing transportation barriers don’t have to drive long distances.
Low-income communities: Mobile dental clinics can visit areas where people don’t have dental insurance, giving affordable or even free care to those who need it.
Mobile dental clinics make it possible for everyone to get dental care, no matter where they live.
Want to learn more about mobile dental clinics?
You came to this article searching for a solution to the challenges many people face in accessing dental care. Here, we’ve explored how mobile dental clinics make a difference by bringing essential dental services—exams, cleanings, and more—directly to the communities that need them most.
At AVAN Mobility, we’re dedicated to making healthcare accessible for everyone. With over 10 years of experience building mobile medical units, we’re passionate about helping organizations like yours reach people in need of care.
We believe that accessible healthcare is life-changing, and our team is here to support you with innovative, compassionate, and reliable mobile dental solutions. Our commitment to quality, service, and community impact has made us leaders in the industry.
If you want to learn more about our Mobile Dental Clinic Vans, click the button below to talk to a mobility expert. Not quite ready? We have other resources you can explore to learn more about getting started in the right direction.
Start by checking out our article on mobile health grants. If you’re struggling to find funding, this resource can help.
After that, you may also be curious to know more about us. Check out our article on what we do to learn more!
FAQ
Q: Are mobile dental clinics customizable for specific needs?
A: Yes, mobile dental vans can be customized with specific equipment and layouts to accommodate different types of dental services, such as pediatric care or orthodontics.
Q: How many patients can a mobile dental clinic serve in a day?
A: Depending on the size, setup, and efficiency of your team, a mobile dental clinic can typically serve between 10 to 25 patients a day.
Q: What power sources do mobile dental clinics use?
A: Most mobile dental clinics run on a generator or connect to an external power source. This setup ensures they can operate anywhere, even in areas without access to electricity.
