A mobile dental care clinic is visiting schools across the Mississippi Delta to improve the oral health of students in underserved communities.
Dr. LaMonica Davis Taylor, founder of Smiles on Broadway Dental Care, created the mobile clinic as a way to reach kids who are unable to have regular visits with a dentist.
From preventative treatment to emergency care, the mobile dental facility is equipped with the tools to get the job done.
“Our staff treats an average of 75-100 students per school. We provide screenings, exams, cleanings, radiographs, prophylaxis and fluoride treatments. Emergency extractions are performed if needed,” said Taylor, according to Blacknews.com. “In addition to that, we provide oral health products (toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and mouth rinse) to every student we see. These are things that we take for granted and it amazes us that many of the children do not have access to get these products or services.”
Inside of the mobile clinic are digital x-rays, dental chairs and a space to wait.
Several parents sought further treatment for their children with dentists in their area at the recommendation of Dr. Taylor and her dental assistants. For kids who have never visited the dentist or only visited for dental emergencies, seeing the dentist can be a stressful experience.
Smiles on Broadway Dental Care aims to decrease that anxiety and make oral health fun with an array of themed rooms.
The private practice in Jackson, Mississippi includes rooms with Spider-man, Aladdin and Cinderella decorations. Kids can have their teeth cleaned and examined while laying back to watch television with their favorite characters.
Smiles on Broadway Dental Care has treated patients, ages one to 21, for over seven years.
Taylor earned her Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry, after completing her bachelor’s degree at Spelman College.
“I always knew I wanted to be a health-care provider. I had a traumatic experience as a child and was in an accident, and I ended up having to see a dentist multiple times,” said Taylor, according to Jackson Free Press. “So, I definitely knew I wanted to take that route and also do something where I could still be involved in the community.”
