"Share the Care" Contest Nominee Spotlight: Prairie Elementary

Prairie Elementary is our next nominee for the "Share the Care" contest. They are located in Guymon, the heart of the Oklahoma Panhandle. Our program has previously visited Guymon and this elementary school, but read below why those close to it think it deserves another day of care:

How do you think these service would benefit the organization?

"This school serves many low-income families. I have seen many children with teeth problems come through our school and their family not have the income to go to a dentist and fix their child's teeth."

"The closet SoonerCare provider is two hours one way, so it is hard on children and parents. Missing school an work is not an optimal situation."

Why do you think they should win this contest?

"This will be the only way most of our students will get their teeth cleaned or looked at." 

"To think that someone would come from OKC to help with the enormous oral health care need of the rural area made an impact on the staff and families of the children treated. The principals are dedicated to this program and know the value...seeing their students relieved of pain and functioning to their full capacity in the classroom again makes the staff very grateful." 

"Share the Care" Contest Nominee Spotlight: LCDA

The Latino Community Development Agency was created in 1989, the outcome of a United Way task force to address the needs of  the low-income, Latino population living in Oklahoma City. In 2005, it received its national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitative Facilities, due to their program standards and achievements.

The LCDA's mission is: "Working to enhance the quality of life in the Latino Community through education, leadership, services and advocacy."

They provide health, nutrition, treatment and prevention programs. These include HIV/AIDs support groups and testing, mentoring and support for at-risk youth and many other opportunities for all ages and stages of the Latino population to be involved.

The Oklahoma Dental Foundation has had the pleasure of working with this program since 2008, providing many days of dental education, treatment and screenings throughout the years. We even celebrated treating the 10,000th patient in our program there last September!

Here's what the nominees had to say about the LCDA:

How do you think these services would benefit the organization?

"They would help a lot. We see many children who are uninsured."


Why do you think they should win this contest?

"Because of their approach to people who really need these services."

"For many years they have helped a minority population who could not receive services."

"Share the Care" Contest Nominee Spotlight: MHAT

The Mental Health Association of Tulsa was established 57 years ago to provide support to those who are affected by mental illness. They do this through housing services for mentally ill and their families, offer them employment opportunities and help them maintain job skills.

MobileSmiles has had the opportunity to visit several MHAT housing facilities over the past two years, providing life-changing dental treatment for those living on the streets. Some unable to find jobs do to the condition of their mouths, some living in pain and not able to fully function. With our help, they were able to live pain-free and now they are on their way to making themselves whole again.


Here's what the nominees had to say about MHAT:

"Why do you think this organization should win this contest?"

"The Mental Health Association of Tulsa puts a hand out to all in need. These services would give them the ability to serve and help those in need just that much further."

"First, the need. Second, the love and care that the Association shows. Third, the organization and level-handed, practical way that the Association goes about its service. They are caring, qualified and credentialed."

"Dental problems affect health and mental wellness."

ODF In the News

Friday, October 19 was an exciting day for our program. KFOR-TV's Lance West paid us a visit while we were at the Baptist Mission in Oklahoma City treating low-income adults. This segment aired twice that evening, and we could have asked for a better platform for our program! Lance tells the story of so many Oklahomans who are in need of care, even in metro areas, but cannot access it. In this instance, the barrier to oral health care is finances. We are so pleased we make a trip to the Baptist Mission again and help their clients improve their chance for job prospects and better, brighter futures.

We are also so grateful to our dental professional staff and volunteers who see this program and an important means to end suffering in our state. This particular day Drs. Eric Touet (Oklahoma City) and Phoebe Brown (Edmond) were able to improve the quality of life to so many. To put it simply, the visit wouldn't be possible without them, or any of our volunteers!

Because the segment aired during the evening news, our office was bombarded with phone calls and emails asking for appointments or when the mobile unit would be near them. Clearly, there is still a great need, and we are always seeking new sites to visit. If you know of a new one we should check out let us know!

We hope you'll take a minute to watch this video and share our program with those you know who may need help, or those who may be interested in volunteering their time with our program.