First mobile dental clinic unveiled; expanding access to oral health care

This article was originally published here.

Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center held a blessing ceremony for its first ever mobile dental clinic. WakeUp2Day’s Chris Latronic went live in Waianae with a preview.

This milestone comes a year and a half after WCCHC unveiled their large expansion to the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Dental Clinic.

The mobile dental clinic is a step forward in WCCHC’s goal to expand access to quality dental services across West Oahu. Designed to serve communities with limited access to oral healthcare, the mobile unit will deliver essential preventive directly to all Waianae elementary schools and head start preschools. Additionally, there is capability for restorative treatment in the future.

The Mobile Dental Clinic will be used to support outreach events, community-based screenings, and school-based dental services. It’s equipped to provide a full range of dental services including exams, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, and minor restorative procedures. Area legislators and other community leaders have been invited.

WCCHC has partnered with the Hawaii Dental Service (HDS) Foundation to expand access to oral healthcare for underserved communities on Oahu’s Leeward Coast. A $400,000 grant from the HDS Foundation enabled WCCHC to purchase a new Mobile Dental Clinic, which will deliver preventive dental services directly to children in West Oahu schools​.