Dental Foundation of Oregon - Tooth Taxi

Children and young people are vital to Oregon's economy. If we don’t take care of the children in our state, Oregon won’t have a healthy workforce from which to choose.

 With the mouth a gateway to overall health, tooth pain can sideline children in the classroom and tip them off the lifetime path to success. Decay and bacteria are easily preventable problems and are issues with which children in our state should not have to contend to stay in school and thrive.

 Tooth Taxi to the Rescue

That’s why The Dental Foundation of Oregon's Tooth Taxi is at schools and neighborhood organizations regularly, helping children and young people in low-income, often working families, get the oral care they need to stay in school, and become workforce ready.

The Tooth Taxi partners with schools and parents all over Oregon to screen students, offer cleanings, fix cavities, provide extractions, and teach children how to care for their teeth and gums to fight tooth decay—all for free.

 Students in pain, those without dental insurance, children who’ve never seen a dentist, and students with Oregon Health Plan who are not currently seeing a dentist are the focus of the Tooth Taxi; however, any child whose teacher recommends that they see us, with parental approval, is welcome.

 Annually we provide about $360,00 million in free dental care for about 760 children.

 Volunteers Needed

Dentists with a current license who are in good standing and have professional liability insurance and current ODS credentialing are invited to volunteer on the Tooth Taxi. For dental hygienists, a current Oregon license in good standing is required. Please contact Carrie Peterson, carrie@dentalfoundationoforegon.org, to volunteer or with questions about what’s needed to volunteer.

 For More Information

To find out more about The Dental Foundation of Oregon and the Tooth Taxi, please visit dentalfoundationoforegon.org.