The first self-powered mobile dental clinic in Waitemata launched this month and will benefit many families living in remote areas of the North Shore and beyond.

The Well Foundation, with its sponsors, The Trusts, The Trusts Community Foundation, Hector Trust and Sir John Logan Campbell Residuary Estate, raised $261,538 for the Auckland Regional Dental Service’s (ARDS) mobile clinic.

Well Foundation CEO Andrew Young says because the clinic is self-powered, it gives ARDS the ability to deliver services in rural areas. 

“Dental nurses can park the van almost anywhere and provide dental treatment – they don’t need to identify a local power source to connect into, so this will increase our reach into the community, such as visiting preschools, maraes and community centres in hard to access places.”

The clinic will reduce the travel time for parents and provide more choice, “ultimately improving access and equity for our growing communities,” says Andrew. 

The mobile clinic can treat up to 15 children a day - more than 3,000 children over the course of a year. Children aged from birth to Year 8 at school will be able to access the service. 

“Early detection and early treatment are the most cost-effective and logical solutions to health issues for children and their families,” says Andrew.

For more information on the work of the Well Foundation visit wellfoundation.org.nz