The Magic Bus

CVHN Unveils New Mobile Dental Clinic

Story and photography courtesy of CVHN

Children’s Volunteer Health Network (CVHN), an organization that provides free access to dental and mental health services to children in need in Northwest Florida, has announced the arrival of its second mobile dental clinic. The first bus, gifted to CVHN from the Dugas Family Foundation, is an operatory clinic on wheels. The dental unit meets children where they are and provides preventative dental services on the bus, often parked outside local schools. Now, another state-of-the-art bus has been introduced to the community. However, unlike the original mobile dental clinic, the second bus will go beyond preventative care and provide restorative services, including urgent procedures.

As of 2021, CVHN has facilitated over 75,000 procedures for children in the local community, with more than $6 million in free dental health services provided so far. The addition of the new bus will complement the preventative care currently offered, and children will now have access to a broader range of services. Just in time for the new school year, the new restorative bus joined the preventative team to begin visits to Okaloosa and Walton county schools.

The community gathered at Grand Boulevard on Saturday, August 27, 2022, for an exciting bus unveiling. Children and adults enjoyed refreshments and lawn games, met Mr. and Mrs. Tooth, toured the bus, and heard from CVHN team members about the new services coming to Northwest Florida.

CVHN is honored to dedicate the Restorative Mobile Dental Clinic to the late Denise Lisciotti. Denise was an original employee of CVHN and served as an integral member of the team for thirteen years before her passing in 2021. During her time with CVHN, Denise impacted the lives of thousands of children. As she saw firsthand the need to address more urgent cases, she championed the addition of a restorative clinic. Her legacy will live on as this additional bus comes to fruition, and CVHN has named the Restorative Mobile Dental Clinic Niecy, a beloved family name, in her honor.

Those who would like to support CVHN’s new bus for the upcoming school year are encouraged to bring “bus warming” gifts, including copy paper, Lysol and Microban sanitizers, Dawn soap, gallons (or larger) of distilled water, and Staples or Walmart gift cards.

The community or local businesses can also support this cause by becoming a gas sponsor for $500. With gas prices skyrocketing, this is crucial in getting dental support to children in local schools.

“We are looking forward to putting the second mobile dental clinic in motion as we continue making a difference for the children of Northwest Florida,” says CVHN executive director Kelley Mossburg

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Children’s Volunteer Health Network provides children in need the opportunity to flourish by facilitating health and wellness services. Since 2005, CVHN has traveled across the Emerald Coast in its Mobile Dental Care Unit to provide children in the community with proper preventative dental care. CVHN continues to expand and now offers dental, vision, and mental health services to children in Okaloosa and Walton County. For more information, visit CVHNkids.org or find CVHN on Facebook.com/CVHNkids and Instagram @cvhnkids05.