A Ministry of North Carolina Baptist Men Supported by Gifts to the NC Missions Offering Mobile Medical Dental Ministry

Purpose The goals of the Mobile Medical/Dental Ministry are: 1.To share Jesus Christ with every person served. 2.To meet the physical needs of those individuals. It is imperative that all who involve themselves in this ministry see that both of these goals are accomplished. It is imperative that all who involve themselves in this ministry see that both of these goals are accomplished.

HISTORY In the fall of 1988, the concept of a medical/dental bus ministry was presented to the NC Baptist Men Executive Committee. A 40-foot diesel, Blue Bird bus was ordered at a cost of around $140K. This bus was equipped with a medical exam room and a dental exam room. In the fall of 1988, the concept of a medical/dental bus ministry was presented to the NC Baptist Men Executive Committee. A 40-foot diesel, Blue Bird bus was ordered at a cost of around $140K. This bus was equipped with a medical exam room and a dental exam room.

The Ministry Flourishes After 10 years of service, this bus was in need of repair or replacement. A second Bluebird bus, customized as a dental office, was purchased. Due to the high demand for this ministry, the first bus was renovated in 2001 as a mobile dental unit. After 10 years of service, this bus was in need of repair or replacement. A second Bluebird bus, customized as a dental office, was purchased. Due to the high demand for this ministry, the first bus was renovated in 2001 as a mobile dental unit.

In 2011, NC Baptist Men purchased a new mobile unit from Lifeline Mobile in Ohio. This unit is an International truck customized as a mobile dental clinic. The 1989 Bluebird Bus was retired to Truett Baptist Association in Marble, NC. It serves as a stationary dental clinic for 5 counties in western N.C.

This 2011 mobile dental unit is equipped with two dental exam rooms, a spacious waiting area, room extensions, central heat/air, digital x-rays and much more.

The mobile dental units are equipped with two dental exam rooms and a sterilization area. Electricity can be supplied by on- board generators if 220 shore power is not available. The units carry their own potable water supply. In 2014, digital x-ray capability was added to the Bluebird bus

Volunteers Operate Equipment Each mobile medical/dental unit is equipped with x-ray equipment and developer, autoclave, ultrasonic cleaner, curing light, amalgamator and more for use by dental professionals to provide dental fillings and extractions. The Bus Driver and hostess assist with the operation of this equipment.

Volunteer dentists, hygienists and dental assistants make this ministry possible. The sponsoring organization is responsible for recruiting local dental professionals to provide treatment to patients on the dental units.The sponsoring organization is responsible for recruiting local dental professionals to provide treatment to patients on the dental units.

2013 Statistics The mobile units were used 179 days in 2013 traveling over 19,000 miles 4352 patients were treated dentists, assistants, physicians and nurses volunteered. 238 pastors, translators and counselors volunteered. 238 pastors, translators and counselors volunteered layworkers assisted

Types of Dental Care Provided The dentists and sponsoring organization determine which areas of single visit dental care to offer: examinations, cleanings, fillings, X-rays, extractions, sealants for children.

Who are the Dental Patients? Churches, associations, health clinics and other sponsoring organizations choose the target group to be served by this ministry. The patients must be without dental insurance and may be from a mobile home park, from a low income housing project, at county fairs, at homeless shelters, school children, and anywhere there is a need. Translators are essential to Hispanic and other language ministries. The dental ministry supplies medical and dental records in English and Spanish.

Costs to use the Mobile Dental Unit There is no charge to the patient to receive care from this ministry. The church or other sponsoring organization is responsible for the following costs: Mileage:.65 cents/mile roundtrip Mileage:.65 cents/mile roundtrip from Cary $7.00 per dental patient $7.00 per dental patient $7.00 per hygiene patient $7.00 per hygiene patient Generator $3.00 per hour if needed Generator $3.00 per hour if needed Meals and lodging for driver/hostess if applicable Meals and lodging for driver/hostess if applicable

For More Information A planning manual is available, at no charge, to help you organize a successful dental clinic. A copy of this powerpoint presentation and Medical/Dental Ministry brochures are available for promotion. Contact: Joanne Honeycutt ext 5603