Ronald McDonald Care Mobile

Too many New Zealand children’s lives are being affected by tooth decay. Their school work suffers, they don’t eat properly and they won’t smile because they’re embarrassed about their teeth. All the fun things about being a child just aren’t fun anymore.

Even more troubling is that long term, if untreated, tooth decay and dental problems can lead to other more serious health concerns. Far too many children are not getting access to basic dental services and ultimately, hospitalisation is required to remedy serious, yet preventable conditions. For an increasing number of New Zealand children, inadequate dental hygiene and its consequences are a daily reality.

Accessibility, rural isolation, cultural issues, non fluoridation of water supplies, a reduction in the number of trained dental hygienists and changes in government policy have all combined to create and exacerbate the problem. The good news is that with timely intervention, we can prevent children suffering from tooth decay, educate them on effective dental hygiene and get them smiling again!

Our vision is to significantly improve the dental health of every child in this country. We believe it is a substantial investment in the future of our greatest resource – the youth of New Zealand. The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile (dental programme) operating in the Far North takes free dental care to remote and rural communities, where it is needed most. A state-of-the-art, custom designed vehicle delivers much needed dental care to children from preschool to age 12. The service is run and managed by Northland District Health Board. The unit provides preventative care, diagnostic services, restorative services, including treatment of oral disease, and educational advice, including information on diet, oral hygiene and other factors affecting oral health.

Since 2005 the Care Mobile has been sited at:

• Pakaraka School
• Oramahoe School
• Tautoro School
• Opononi Area School
• Waima School
• Te Wharekura O Kaikohe
• Ohaeawai School
• Riverview Primary
• Paihia School
• Opua School
• Te Kura O Waikare
• Russell School
• Kawakawa Primary
• Kawakawa Primary
• Kaikohe West School 

Aknowledgement

This vital programme has been operating since 2005 and we would like to acknowledge our major donors who have helped turn our vision into reality and continue to help us with this vital service:

• AH Watson Charitable Trust
• Andrew Smith Family Trust
• Capital Group Ltd
• CR Stead Trust
• Joyce Fisher Trust
• Laurence William Nelson Trust
• Maurice Paykel Charitable Trust
• NR & JH Thomson Charitable Trust
• Sir Henry Kelliher Charitable Trust
• TM Hosking Charitable Trust

Fundraising

Ronald McDonald House Charities have an ongoing annual commitment to the Care Mobile. If you would like to make a donation or help fundraise towards this programme, please contact Karinia Lee; Fundraising Manager karinia.lee@rmhc.org.nz