Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program, largest provider of free dental health care to underserved children in Beaufort County.
Dental care comes packaged in a semi truck. Yes, that's right, a mobile dental clinic that cleans, delivers flouride and produces smiles. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile will showcase its facility at an open house on Hilton Head Island in conjunction with One Hot Mama's restaurant on Thursday, May 3rd.
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program is the largest provider of free dental health care to underserved children in Beaufort County. Nearly 22 percent of the children in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties live at, or below the poverty level, says Nikole Layton, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Coastal Empire.
Many times, dental health care is considered a luxury. There are many reasons why oral health care is important, but Layton narrows her concern for children to two primary reasons; oral hygiene and self-esteem. Daily brushing and flossing keep bacteria under control prevent infections, tooth decay and promotes a health barrier to one’s blood stream.
“The dental checkup and service via the Care Mobile is free for children,” said Layton. “We treat them at no charge. When you talk to a parent whose child has gotten treatment when they needed it, it’s humbling because a lot of people take it (dental care) for granted and they are just happy that their child’s teeth were cleaned.”
Last year, the local nonprofit provided dental exams to over 2,000 children in public schools. They applied sealants, gave fluoride treatments and took X-rays via a dental office built inside of a semi-truck.
- Orchid Paulmeier and One Hot Mama’s restaurant on Hilton Head Island invite the public to take a peek inside the “Care Mobile” at a open house transpiring on Thursday, May 3 beginning at 5:30 p.m. and continuing through 8:00 p.m. The event coincides with One Hot Mamas "Kids Eat Free Every Thursday" promotion each week.
- The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Open House transpires in the parking area adjacent to Reilleys plaza on the corner of Greenwood Drive and Pope Avenue AND inside the restaurant at One Hot Mama's, 7B Greenwood Drive, Reilleys Plaza, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (843) 682-MAMA
