CENTRAL FALLS, R.I. (WPRI) — A local nonprofit is expanding its services to provide more Rhode Island children with necessary dental care.
The Molar Express is a 40-foot vehicle built specifically for providing pediatric dental care that travels to different schools in the area.
On Tuesday, state and local leaders were at Blackstone Valley Community Health Care (BVCHC) in Central Falls to announce a new partnership between BVCHC and the Molar Express. The partnership is being funded by Delta Dental Rhode Island and aims to expand the Molar Express’s reach.
“We estimate about 9,000 children are in need of dental services,” Dr. Cristina Pacheco, CEO of BVCHC, told 12 News. “We were able to do some screenings in the Central Falls High School, screened about 100 children, and almost all of them needed more dental care.”
“We know there is a big need here,” Pacheco added.
12 HEALTH: Annual mammograms crucial for early breast cancer detection
Tara Pratt, the nonprofit’s operations director, noted during the press conference that the Molar Express has already provided services to more than 10,000 Rhode Island children since it was created in 2007.
“In 2024, 84% of our patients were Medicaid insured, 12% were uninsured and 4% had private insurance,” Pratt explained.
Delta Dental’s vice president of communications, Michelle Muscatello, echoed Pratt’s sentiments and reinforced the importance of the mobile service.
“The incredible team at the Molar Express is providing these vital services that not only address the immediate need, but set them up for good health,” she said.
Sen. Jack Reed also spoke at the event, highlighting the larger impacts that a lack of dental care can have on a child.
“For children, access to dental care is so critical to getting a healthy start in life,” Reed said. “Cavities are the most common chronic disease in childhood. They can cause pain and inhibit a child’s ability to eat, to speak and to learn.”
“This new partnership will allow the Molar Express to provide more pediatric dental care in the community,” Reed added. “To host those who are in need the most.”
Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.
Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app.
Follow us on social media:
Thanks for signing up!
Watch for us in your inbox.
Daily Roundup
SIGN UP NOW
if ( window.checkSizeClasses && window.checkSizeClasses instanceof Function) {
window.checkSizeClasses();
}
