Mobile Dentist Program Makes Successful Return to Laurel Park

The Mobile Dentist program made a highly successful return to Laurel Park this week for the first time in nearly two years, bringing much-needed dental services directly to the backstretch community.

Made possible through funding support from the Laurel Multiservice Center, the Mobile Dentist operated inside the Laurel Park Stable Gate area from 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM and was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from horsemen and backside workers.

The day was fully booked and extremely productive, with patients receiving a variety of dental services including cleanings, extractions, evaluations, and follow-up treatment planning. Several individuals will return for additional care in the coming weeks, including dentures and other continued treatment needs.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Laurel Multiservice Center for stepping up and helping make the return of the Mobile Dentist program possible. Access to dental care has always been a challenge for many on the backstretch simply because of transportation, scheduling, and cost barriers. Bringing these services directly to Laurel Park removes many of those obstacles and makes a real difference in people’s lives. The response today showed just how badly these services are needed, and we truly appreciate this new partnership and commitment to our horsemen and backside community.”
said MTHA Executive Director David Richardson

One of the biggest successes of the day was the new custom registration, intake, and scheduling system developed specifically for the program by the MTHA team. To date, 53 individuals have already preregistered online for appointments.

Patients now complete their medical and dental history electronically ahead of time and upload their MRC badges prior to arrival, dramatically streamlining the check-in process. By the time patients arrive for their appointment, all necessary information is already organized and accessible to the dental team electronically through a shared scheduling platform.

The system also automatically sends text message reminders to patients prior to their appointments, helping improve attendance and allowing the day’s schedule to flow smoothly and efficiently.

The Mobile Dentist currently operates two chairs simultaneously with two dentists working concurrently and has the capacity to treat up to 16 patients during each visit day.

The next Mobile Dentist visit at Laurel Park is scheduled for Monday, May 18 beginning at 9:00 AM.

Online registration remains open by clicking this link.

The MTHA hopes to continue expanding the program throughout June and beyond pending continued funding availability.

The strong turnout and positive response this week reinforced the tremendous need for accessible healthcare services on the backstretch and highlighted the importance of continuing to invest in programs that directly benefit Maryland’s horsemen and their families.

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