Pineville, MO — For the first time, Pineville residents can access free dental care through a mobile clinic.
The McDonald County Health Department has teamed up with the Elks Mobile Dental Program to offer important preventive services. This initiative targets individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as U.S. veterans. The mobile unit is stationed in the parking lot of the McDonald County Health Department.
Michael Hall, an administrator with the health department, highlighted the program’s accessibility. “It’s free, with no out-of-pocket cost to people,” Hall said. “I know there are people here with those needs.”
Stephanie Scott, the dental hygienist for the program, described the care provided. “We offer preventive care including exams, cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments,” she said. “We also provide basic dental care.”
Dr. Robert Beck, the program’s dentist, stressed that education is a key part of the service. “These concentrated sugar products can cause a lot of oral disease,” Dr. Beck explained. “We focus on diet and oral health education.”
He added that the clinic can also treat unhealthy teeth when possible. “We do extractions if it’s within our ability here,” he said.
Scott noted that some treatments might require referrals. “If we can’t provide certain services, we help patients find outside resources,” she said.
Hall expressed hope that the program would continue. “I’m hoping the community will take advantage of it,” he said. “We could possibly host it again in a year or so.”
The mobile dental clinic will operate until July 24. Interested residents must schedule an appointment through the Elks Dental Program.