Mobile dental delivery truck to supply the Marshallese of Spokane

Doug Nadvornick from SPR reports.

Dozens of Marshallese in east Washington who do not have access to dental care will have their teeth checked out this week.

The Arcora Foundation is working with the Smile Spokane group to bring the foundation’s mobile dental unit to the Spokane Tribe Casino in Airway Heights.

“We bring patients in and check their needs, do some sort of check-up, and then if it’s something we can do on the Smile Mobile, we do that,” said Dr. Paul Phillips, an Omak dentist who will be performing the exams. “But almost always we also help patients find a local resource to continue their dental care.”

The Smile Mobile travels to communities across the state. This Tuesday through Friday visit to Airway Heights is dedicated to serving Marshallese.

Carlinda Jabjulan is a member of the Marshallese Community who helped promote the clinic visit. She says many Marshallese do not seek medical and dental care because they lack transportation or have difficulty communicating in English. But she says that people are excited about this opportunity.

“Some of them text me and ask if there are any Marshallese who are there when they need a translation or something,” she said.

If you would like information on making an appointment, you can find it here.

Delta Dental and the Arcora Foundation are financial supporters of Spokane Public Radio.