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stripes alongside giant pictures of smiling children brushing
their teeth.
Stepping inside, you forget this medical unit rolls on wheels
because it unfolds identical to a dental office, complete with two
dental chairs, state-of-the-art equipment, a supervisor, boardcertified
dentists, and a dental hygienist.
Sometimes children can catch a glimpse of the tooth fairy
donning a cloud of pink tulle and ready to welcome them. All
children are eligible to pre-register for a free dental screening,
and payments for services such as cleanings and sealants can
be made through Medicaid, dental insurance, or a flat fee of $25
made prior to dental bus day at school.
When the Dental Express pulls up to schools from Sarasota to
Arcadia, the dental team treats about 25 to 30 kids a day. On
festival and event days in the community, about 60 kids a day
funnel through the bus.
“We have a wonderful, dedicated team,” said Gamboa. “They
work weekends – Sundays even sometimes. They truly have to
love what they do and be dedicated to serve our patients. Our
providers are passionate and care deeply about our community.”
The impacts of the dental bus shine boldly in the stories of the
families who seek treatment. Overwhelmed with emotion, tears
dampened the face of a Manatee County father who recently
gained custody of his 3-year-old son. His little boy had never
seen a dentist, and issues had erupted throughout his mouth.
Unsure where to turn, the father discovered the Dental Express
where he not only found dental treatment, but also guidance in
linking a pediatrician through MCR Health for his son.
“We helped him get an appointment with a pediatrician, and
he was so grateful,” said Gamboa. “The Dental Express helps
change the lives and well-being of children. It’s not just about
dental health, but overall health. We want to educate our
community. If people are not aware of what we offer, they can’t
take advantage.”
Education reigns key at MCR Health where providers not only
treat patients, but also spend the time to educate them about
illnesses, prevention, and how to access healthcare. The Dental
Express strives to promote general wellness and healthy kids,
reaching as many children as possible.
Compassion and care for the community inspired the creation
of MCR Health 40 years ago when a small cluster of concerned
citizens leased an abandoned schoolhouse in Parrish for $1 to
open their first medical facility. Building year after year, MCR
Health has grown into a model of community-based care and
preventive education that healthcare workers nationwide tune
into study. Known for opening the most affordable pharmacies
in the region, MCR Health established an innovative sliding
scale fee program that provides low-income and uninsured
patients the dignity that flourishes with helping to pay for their
care. In return for affordable care, Gamboa says patients
express gratitude.
Leaving a Dental Express event in Sarasota on a recent
afternoon, Gamboa noticed a couple with a small child following
her across a vast parking lot. “I had parked a long ways away,
but they kept following me so I turned around and asked, ‘May
I help you?’” Gamboa said.
With raw emotion spilling into their voices and tears in their eyes,
the couple wanted Gamboa to thank the creators of the Dental
Express for them. They had profusely shared kindness toward
the dentist and everyone in the bus who cared for their child,
however, they wanted the creators to know how much the mobile
unit had touched their lives.
“The community is my passion,” said Gamboa, pausing to let
the words ruminate. “My community is my life, and I want to
work in any way I can to help the underserved find access to
healthcare. This is the essence of my life. This is how we all feel
at MCR Health.”