Wheeling Township Provides Access to Quality Dental Care

While some people procrastinate or avoid going to the dentist, others simply cannot afford dental care. For those who otherwise would not be able to receive these services, the multi-Township Mobile Dental Clinic may be able to help.

Former Wheeling Township supervisor, the late Michael Schroeder, DDS, was instrumental in establishing the Mobile Dental Clinic in 2003.

The clinic is a unique collaboration between the public and private sectors, a joint partnership between four townships - Wheeling, Schaumburg, Palatine and Elk Grove - and Northwest Community Healthcare.

Each organization provides annual funding to support the program and services offered.

The clinic's mission is to provide a dental home for community members who do not have access to it due to financial barriers. The state-of-the art Mobile Dental Clinic vehicle is a "clinic on wheels," where cleanings, fillings, restorative work and simple extractions are performed. If a patient has a dental need outside of the scope of services offered, a referral is given. The vehicle itself is dedicated in Schroeder's memory.

"This is an excellent example of intergovernmental cooperation and pooling community resources in order to benefit residents," said Wheeling Township Supervisor Kathleen Penner. "Proper dental care is vital to maintain overall health, and Wheeling Township is dedicated to ensuring residents have access to it."

Since the clinic's inception, 34,000 patients have been served, receiving care valued at more than $8.7 million. To qualify to receive services at the clinic, applicants' incomes must be below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $4,292 per month (gross) for a household of four. Medicaid recipients are eligible to apply; however, recipients of private dental insurance are ineligible due to their ability to obtain dental care elsewhere.

Eligibility is renewed on an annual basis in order for individuals to continue to qualify for dental care.

The Wheeling Township General Assistance Department is responsible for providing application assistance, which must be completed to verify township residency and household income. Patients are seen when the Mobile Dental Clinic visits the township that individuals reside in.

Northwest Community Healthcare employs the clinic's main dentist, hygienist and dental assistant. Additional dentists and dental hygienists from the community also volunteer their time to see patients.

Each patient receives a comprehensive exam, a cleaning and an outline of needed treatment.

For information about the Mobile Dental Clinic, or any of Wheeling Township's services for residents, call (847) 259-7730 or contact Director of General Assistance Julie Villarreal at jvillarreal@wheelingtownship.com.

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