Connections unveils new mobile dental van
A new mobile dental van will provide teeth cleanings, X-rays and root canals to Delawareans in need of preventive dental care up and down the state.
The van, a collaboration between Connections Community Support Programs and Barlcays Bank Delaware, will specifically serve people within the Delaware Department of Correction's work-release and probation violation centers and Connections' addiction and behavioral health clinics.
Patients will be seen beginning Feb. 29.
Barlcays supported the creation of the 38-foot van with a $310,000 low-interest loan. The van will be used to provide a range of dental services from cleanings, fillings, extractions and dentures. It will have two treatment rooms and a full-time dentist and hygienist.
It's expected to serve over 1,500 patients, officials said.
“The mobile clinic will help fill a void in Delaware’s medical safety net by bringing critical dental care to so many people,” said Cathy Devaney McKay, president, founder and CEO of Connections in a statement. "We applaud Barclays for stepping up and helping finance an endeavor identified in our recent strategic plan.”
Barclays and Connections will host the unveiling on the Wilmington riverfront Friday from 12:45 to 2 p.m.
Jen Rini can be reached at (302) 324-2386 or jrini@delawareonline.com. Follow @JenRini on Twitter.