Mobile dentists are dental professionals who provide dental care services in a mobile setting, such as in a van or a trailer. This means that you can offer dental care services to people and communities who have trouble scheduling an appointment at a dentist’s office. These groups of people may include senior citizens or busy professionals.

Mobile clinics can be staffed with one or more dentists, hygienists, and support staff, and can be equipped with the same supplies found in a traditional dental office. Mobile dental clinics have a number of advantages over traditional practices, but there are also some potential challenges to consider.

In this post, we’ll explore both the pros and cons of mobile dentistry so that you can make an informed decision about whether it’s the right choice for you. If want to invest in a mobile dentistry for your office, give us a call at 904-397-0246 or email us for a custom quote.

What is mobile dentistry?

Mobile dentistry is revolutionizing the dental industry by making dental care more accessible than ever before. This service brings the dentist’s office to patients’ doorsteps, providing them with advanced and safe diagnostic services and treatments in the comfort of their home or designated location.

Mobile exam unit built by M&R Specialty Trailers and Trucks.

This personalized service means that you can get access to quality dental care no matter your age, ability or location. As these services become more widely accepted, people will have greater access to dental care than ever before. Whether it’s a routine checkup or a full procedure, with mobile dentistry you can now take advantage of this convenient service with ease.

Proponents of mobile dentistry cite its convenience as well as its ability to save time and money for patients who forgo traditional office visits which often require costly fees and long wait times. Mobile dentistry is truly a game-changer for dental care and provides access to optimal oral health without sacrificing quality.

How much will a mobile dental office cost? We share the cost estimates and options here. 

What services can mobile dentists offer?

Mobile dentists are a great way to make sure your teeth stay pearly white and healthy. Most of us don’t have time these days to get to the dentist, so mobile services like this come in extremely handy. Not only are these dentists convenient – they come to your home, office, or other convenient location – but they also can offer a wide variety of treatments and services such as cleaning and gum treatments.

These professionals generally have the same qualifications as traditional dentists, so they can perform routine and emergency inspections and maintenance services like teeth cleaning, cavity filling and root canal treatment.

Depending on their individual practices, some mobile dentists can even provide orthodontic services like Invisalign, whitening treatments and more. So if you don’t want to miss another dental check-up due to the hassle of visiting the dentist’s office in person, consider going for a mobile appointment – it’s an excellent way to remain on top of your dental health.

Teeth Cleaning

Properly cleaning your teeth is an essential part of oral health and hygiene. It helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues. Taking care of your teeth is as simple as brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Brushing cleans the surface of the teeth to remove bacteria-causing plaque while flossing reaches between the teeth and into hard to reach places that cannot be reached through brushing alone.

If you’re looking to take it up another notch, consider scheduling regular cleaning appointments with your dentist or orthodontist and using special dental tools such as interdental brushes or water picks – they can help keep those pearly whites sparkling for years to come.

Cavity Filling

Cavity fillings are one of the most common dental procedures. If you have a cavity, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of your tooth and then fill the resulting space with a filling. There are several different types of fillings available, and your dentist will help you choose the best option for you based on the location and size of your cavity, as well as your personal preferences. Fillings can be made from a variety of materials, including gold, silver, composite resin, or porcelain.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment can be a daunting prospect for many people, but in reality it’s actually an incredibly straightforward process that carries huge benefits. This dental procedure is designed to save teeth from decay and further damage by removing infected or damaged pulp from the interior of the tooth.

Afterward, your next appointment is all about replacing the lost material with gutta-percha material and placing a crown over the top for improved strength and protection. With root canal therapy, you’ll be able to keep your natural tooth – a result that will spare you from having to worry about any loss of comfort, speech impairment or changes to your smile’s aesthetics.

Initial Dental Exams

Initial dental exams can be intimidating and even scary for some, but it’s important to remember that they are essential for maintaining good oral health. Visiting the dentist regularly is the best way to make sure that any problems in your mouth or teeth can be caught and treated quickly.

During a typical initial examination, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums and mouth for any issues, such as cavities or gum disease. Then, you’ll get a cleaning and polishing of your teeth so that plaque build up can be removed. After everything is checked out and cleaned, your dentist will discuss their findings with you along with what treatments are necessary.

Digital Imaging

Dental digital imaging revolutionizes the way medical practitioners view and diagnose patients. It makes use of X-rays and 3D images to make a more accurate assessment compared to traditional X-rays. This allows dentists to detect cavities and gum diseases in their early stages so that they can treat them in a timely manner before they worsen.

Furthermore, because it is more comfortable than traditional methods, there is no need for anesthesia. As an added bonus, it also produces less radiation exposure. All these advantages allow dental digital imaging to be the preferred choice when it comes to assessing oral health.

Laser Technology

The dental field has seen incredible advancements in recent years, with laser technology leading the charge. Laser dentistry provides an innovative solution to many common dental procedures, making everything from cavity fillings to root canals faster and less invasive for patients. Dental lasers have revolutionized the way dentists assess and treat hygienic issues, significantly reducing risks and discomfort associated with traditional tools.

The technology is also highly accurate when used for cosmetic work such as tooth whitening or reshaping teeth, allowing dentists to make targeted changes that look amazing and last longer too. Given its advantages, it comes as no surprise that more dentists are utilizing laser technology every day.

Advantages of a Mobile Dentistry

With the advantages of mobile dentistry, it’s no surprise that this method of dental care is becoming increasingly popular. Let us now take a look at some of the advantages a mobile dentistry can provide.

1. Giving The Underserved Members Of The Community Access To Dental Care – Access to oral healthcare can be an often overlooked and underestimated privilege for many underserved members of our communities. Dental care, being both expensive and time consuming, can be especially disheartening for those unable to obtain insurance or take time off from their jobs.

However, by providing these members of society the access to free or more affordable dental treatments, we are ensuring their journey towards better dental health and overall wellbeing. This not only benefits them at an individual level – it allows us as a community to come together and ensure everyone has access to the care they need.

Built by M&R Specialty Trailers and Trucks.

2. Increase Dental Practice Reach – Growing your dental practice doesn’t have to be complicated. One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to increase your reach is mobile dentistry. By taking your services on the road, you can meet patients where they are – their homes, workplaces, or schools.

Suddenly, people who don’t always have access to dental care can benefit from your practice and you can build relationships with whole new communities that may not have been easy to connect with before. Mobile dentistry empowers you to bring skilled dentistry directly to those who need it most and make a positive impact in areas where dental care is otherwise limited or inaccessible.

3. Schedule Convenience – A flexible work schedule can add joy to your life and mobile dentistry is a great way to enjoy that flexibility. Not only do mobile dentists get to experience the amazing feeling of working with a variety of people in different locations, they also get to enjoy having an adapted work-life balance.

With mobile dentistry you can be in control of how many hours you want to dedicate to work and how much time you want for personal endeavors, making it easier to find time for hobbies, family activities and even vacations. Being able to adjust your schedule as needed is a liberating feeling that mobile dentists often have and enjoy.

4. Minimal Setup Costs – Starting a mobile dentistry business is a fantastic way to get into the industry without having to invest in renting or buying office space and costly equipment. You don’t even need to rent out storage space for materials; all of your equipment can fit neatly inside one unit.

Mobile dentistry has much lower startup costs than traditional practices, making it an attractive option for fully-qualified and experienced dentists looking to branch out on their own or start a second job. Plus, you’ll get the bonus of being able to offer amazing convenience for those who would find it difficult to visit traditional dental practices due to disability, lack of access, or time constraints.

5. Expand Your Revenue Sources – Mobile dentistry is a great way to diversify your income streams. By providing mobile dental services, you can reach a larger audience and provide them with convenient, affordable care. This can help you attract new patients and grow your practice.

Mobile dentistry gives healthcare professionals more autonomy in how they want to operate their business and provides an opportunity to make scheduling and administrative decisions that fit their lifestyle. It’s an exciting area of growth with vast potential — mobile dentistry is definitely worth exploring if you’re looking for ways to supplement your income.

Disadvantages of a Mobile Dentistry

Mobile dentistry has its share of drawbacks. While they may offer convenience, it’s all too easy to overlook the importance of proper sterilization and infection control in a home or on-the-go office environment. For these reasons, mobile dentistry isn’t always going to be the best answer for those who seek comprehensive care. Some of the drawbacks of having a mobile dentistry practice can include the following:

  1. Smaller Suite Of Options For Complex Care – Mobile dentistry can be a great way to provide complex care but it has its limits. The services that mobile vans or mobile practices can provide are often limited because of the smaller rooms they have to work with. Unfortunately, this means that more extensive care usually requires an office visit and extra travel time for patients who need these services. With fewer resources available, mobile dentistry is proving to be more restrictive than helpful in some cases especially for more complex procedures like a root canal.
  2. Limited Range Of Services Available – The mobile dentistry services available are certainly convenient and helpful, but the range of treatments that can be performed without the patient actually entering a dental office is still quite limited. Unfortunately, many serious dental issues require in-office visits, rendering mobile dentistry largely ineffective in treating more serious oral health problems such as cavities, gingivitis and other infections. We find a lot of dentists use these vehicles to provide routine cleanings and evaluate clients teeth. If a serious issue is uncovered, a dental visit at the office can be scheduled.
  3. Difficulty To Establish Genuine Relationship With Patients – For mobile dentists, creating authentic relationships with patients can be difficult, as mobile practitioners are often rushed from appointment to appointment. Furthermore, mobile dentistry is not immune to the rising prevalence of patient impersonality that has been linked to larger care centers. More often than not, you’ll have a fixed amount of time at each location you serve.
  4. Driving the Unit – As with any mobile unit, you’ll need to identify an employee or yourself that can safely drive the van or trailer from point A to point B. While anyone with a valid driver’s license can learn how to do it there is a learning curve.

How can mobile dentistry benefit senior citizens and nursing homes?

Mobile dentistry is a game-changer for senior citizens and nursing homes. Rather than having to go through the hassle of visiting a dentist’s office or clinic, elderly citizens can now have access to professional dental care in the comfort of their own community or residential area. Not only does this allow seniors and those living in nursing homes to receive much-needed care without having to leave their familiar surroundings, it also helps reduce anxiety about being away from home for extended lengths of time.

Furthermore, mobile dentists provide education and oral hygiene guidance to both seniors, their families and staff at nursing homes thus helping them maintain better oral health. In short, mobile dentistry brings quality dental care right to the doorstep of senior citizens and is a service everyone can appreciate. Contact us directly at 904-397-0246 or email us to discuss your mobile dentistry build.