Elks brings mobile dental service for children to Nevada in September

Nevada, Mo. -- Since 1962 the Missouri Elks have been helping get handicapped and developmentally disabled children get dental care they might not receive otherwise.

Three specially equipped mobile units travel around Missouri providing the service to all areas. Starting Sept. 10 one of the mobile units will be in Nevada at the Elks Lodge until Sept. 27.

Lee Sparks, Nevada Elks Benevolent Trust Chairman, said the program provided much-needed care to people who otherwise can't get any.

"No dentist in town will take Medicaid," Sparks said. "This is the only dental care some people can get."

Sparks said the program was a priority for Elks in Missouri.

"It's the major philanthropic project of the Missouri Elks," Sparks said. "Since 1962 we've been providing dental care to (disabled) and mentally retarded children. Then if there's room we take mentally retarded adults too. Children come first, then adults."

Patients for the program must meet eligibility standards. Individuals with mental retardation or those with developmental disabilities or any child listed with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Special Health Care Needs. Individuals in extreme financial distress who have found it impossible to receive dental care anywhere else must be referred by the local Elks lodge.

According to information on the Elks Web site all individuals must be screened for their eligibility and their ability to receive treatment in a mobile facility with the aid of local anesthetic when indicated.

The Elks dental program is administered by the Missouri Department of Health and the Truman Medical Center. The hospital staffs the units, schedule and complete visits. The Missouri Elks purchased the $150,000 dental units, provide the necessary equipment and move the units from area to area.

"The unit we're going to have is down in Joplin right now," Sparks said. "We'll move it up here and put it on the parking lot of the lodge during its stay here."

To set up an appointment call (816) 404-6904. Sparks can be reached at (417) 667-2335.