Brighter Way United HealthCare Mobile Dental Center

Tooth Bus Has a Big Job

In July 2018, a new two-chair mobile dental center was donated to Brighter Way Institute by United Healthcare. Tooth Bus provides a fully-contained and highly efficient delivery-system, greatly expanding community partnerships, and providing remote access to patients who are in greatest need of oral health care. Tooth Bus helps reduce disparities that prevent patients from traveling to a dental center by establishing outreach partnerships, and “going to the patient”.

Tooth Bus Brochure

Community Health Fairs

In partnership with healthcare organizations & nonprofits, Tooth Bus travels to various community health fairs & events across Maricopa County. Oral health professionals provide dental assessments, deliver hygiene & nutrition education to low-income children and their families, and to distribute Smile Bags. Patients are often referred to one of the Brighter Way Dental Centers for oral health services.

Boys & Girls Clubs

Collaborating with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, Tooth Bus expands oral health outreach to member Boys and Girls Clubs in metro Phoenix and the East Valley. Through remote screenings, and education, oral health professionals are able to assess dental issues, make treatment recommendations, and provide an easy way for parents to find a permanent Dental Home at the BGCAZ Children’s Dental Clinic.

one.n.ten

Consistent with our mission to provide comprehensive oral health care to vulnerable populations, our collaboration with one.n.ten, helps improve access to oral healthcare for LGBTQ youth – some of whom are experiencing homelessness. Through this collaboration, Brighter Way strives to provide direct oral health services to LGBTQ youth as one intervention to remove barriers to their overall well-being.

Homeless Encampments

In response to an articulated need expressed by the Phoenix Human Services Campus, Brighter Way oral health professionals are utilizing Tooth Bus to help assess emergency and urgent dental needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. Services are being extended to other homeless encampments as well to address immediate oral health needs, help relieve pain, & schedule patients for facility treatment.

All Aboard the Tooth Bus

Naming Celebration Nov. 9, 2023