The new mobile unit for the Youth Dental Program has arrived on St. Maarten. Commissioner of Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus inspected the fully-customized vehicle and was impressed by the fully functional mobile dental unit.
"I am please that the youth dental unit is here, but more importantly what we can do with the mobile dental unit for St. Maarten's youth", Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus said.
Schools will be visited; children's teeth examined and treatment can be provided all in this custom made vehicle outfitted as good as any regular dental clinic. The dentist operating the clinic will be able to carryout a range of services from normal check-ups to x-rays of the teeth and mouth.
The Public Health department has facilitated oral dental hygiene educational programs in primary schools over the years, but it became evident that more significant effort was necessary.
"We will utilize the dental unit to its optimal capacity to ensure that the children can get quality care at the school's doorstep. For too long this project continued to be postponed, but I'm pleased that we have been able to get this far" Commissioner Buncamper-Molanus said.
The cost of the Mobile dental unit is approximately $200,000.
