Earlier this month, the Ford Motor Company Fund and Delta Dental announced that they are teaming up with Kare Mobile to help address the urgent lack of quality, reliable dental care in many underserved neighborhoods throughout the Greater Detroit area.
The joint initiative, which also includes Lightship Foundation, is launching the Motor City Kares giveaway to offer one minority dentist the opportunity to win a $150,000 Ford Transit mobile dental office to serve children and families in low-income communities.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases one can experience as a child. If left untreated, this condition can lead to cavities, which cause pain and infection. In time, these symptoms can lead to problems with eating, speaking, and self-esteem. In addition, children with poor oral health can often miss school and receive lower grades than those who receive regular care.
“Quality, reliable dental care is not available to many children in Detroit’s most underserved zip codes,” said Dr. Kwane Watson, the founder and CEO of Kare Mobile. “We expect this initiative to help change that because everyone deserves access to comprehensive oral health care.”
The Motor City Kares giveaway runs from March 5 through April 16, 2021. Minority dental professionals who are interested in learning more about and applying for the program can visit http://kare.mobi/mck. A panel of judges from all four participating organizations will select the winner, who will be notified in late spring.
The lucky winner will have the opportunity to operate the mobile dental clinic throughout southeast Michigan for at least two years, during which time they will be able to build a stable practice that includes non-Medicaid patients. The program is mutually beneficial, as it facilitates both a sustainable business for the dentist and a long-term dental resource for the community.
“This partnership is about improving public health and building community wealth,” said Margaret Trimer, vice president of strategic partnerships for Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. “We are not solely investing in dental care but lifting up minority entrepreneurs so they can provide critical access to care right here in Detroit.”
The all-new Ford Transit is a versatile commercial vehicle that’s perfect for mobile businesses like this. To check out the awesome inventory of Ford Transit vehicles that we currently offer at Brian Hoskins Ford in Coatesville, click here! Interested in a test drive? Contact us online, by phone, or in person today!