Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
Focusing on the school children in Northland, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile is providing access to free dental care where children need it most.
In 2003 it was recognised that the dental health of New Zealand's most vulnerable citizens, our children, who live in areas of high poverty was nothing to be proud of.
Far too many children do not get access to basic dental services and end up in hospital having treatments that could have been prevented. There was an increasing concern that an epidemic of dental decay in certain parts of New Zealand was impacting negatively on those from low socio-economic status groups.
A lack of access to dental care has a profound impact on our country’s physical, social and economic health. Children who do not receive preventive and primary care are at greater risk for long-term health problems.
In response to these concerns, in 2005 Ronald McDonald House Charities launched the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile programme in New Zealand. Working with advice from the Ministry’s oral health specialists, Northland was identified as the first target area for Ronald McDonald House Charities to join with the Northland District Health Board (DHB) to provide this service to children.
The Partnership
This was formalised between Northland District Health Board and Ronald McDonald House Charities in a signed agreement on the 4th February 2005. Northland DHB is committed to providing the resource for the Care Mobile to operate as well as expenses for all dental consumables.
Ronald McDonald House Charities own the Care Mobile and Shuttle van and have an ongoing commitment to the programme through an annual operating grant.
The Service
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile has been in operation since August 2005 delivering dental care to children pre-school up to the age of 12. The dental team is run by Pip Zammit; Team Leader of Northland DHB. Pip and her team are committed to providing an excellent service to all children.
There is a technician who is responsible for the Care Mobile and Shuttle van. Responsibilities include driving the Care Mobile to the destination, ensuring that the vehicle is level and can be connected into the electrical mains.
Once the Care Mobile is stable with all components operating, the work begins for the dental therapists and their assistants. The Care Mobile stays in an area for as long as required. The Shuttle van is used to travel out to remote areas or small schools to pick up children and bring them to the Care Mobile. This has proved successful as more children can be seen by the therapists in a shorter time frame.
We are currently working with Counties Manukau District Health Board and expect our second Care Mobile to be operational within their region in 2011.
Services for Families
All Ronald McDonald Care Mobile services are provided in a 12 metre long, 2.5 metre wide, state-of-the-art vehicle built specifically for delivering paediatric health care services. The vehicle, which ultimately costs around USD$500,000 to get on the road, includes two patient examination rooms, a laboratory and a reception/medical records area.
Ronald McDonald Care Mobile services include:
- Primary care, well-child visits and developmental screening
- Diagnostic, preventive and restorative dental care
- Oral hygiene education
If you would like to make a donation to this worthy programme donations will be accepted via the online facility on this website, by cheque or for further information please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone the Fundraising Manager on 09 539 4389.
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