PORT TOWNSEND — The SmileMobile, a traveling dental clinic serving people of all ages, will be at the Port Townsend School District office, 1610 Blaine St., this Monday through Thursday.
Operated by Arcora Foundation in partnership with Seattle Children’s Hospital, the SmileMobile’s dental team is ready to see babies, children, teenagers, pregnant and postpartum mothers and adult family members, said senior program officer Karri Amundson.
The mobile clinic focuses on providing care for patients with Apple Health (Medicaid) as well as people who are uninsured, she noted.
To make an appointment on one of the SmileMobile’s days in Port Townsend and to find out more, phone 888-286-9105.
Dental procedures onboard can include basic examinations, oral health education, fluoride varnish, sealants, simple extraction, temporary fillings or X-rays.
First of all, though, the SmileMobile providers simply ask: “How can we help you today?”Amundson said.
“The need is very great” for dental care in communities including Port Townsend, she said. At the same time, many parents aren’t yet aware that Apple Health covers their visit to a SmileMobile dentist.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the SmileMobile team is using safety protocols; for example, the providers do not do cleanings or other services that generate aerosols.
When calling for appointments, families are asked basic health screening questions to make sure they’re healthy and ready to see a dental care provider.
All areas of the SmileMobile are cleaned and disinfected frequently, and hand sanitizer is always available.
Precautions are also in place for physical distancing, so when patients arrive, they’re asked to wait in their cars or outside the clinic until it’s time to go into the mobile unit.
For more about the Arcora Foundation and its work in Washington state, see arcorafoundation.org.
