Q: What is the Molar Express?

A: The Molar Express is a specially designed, forty foot long dental office on wheels. It is one of twenty Care Mobiles presented by Ronald McDonald House Charities ™. The Molar Express will be operated by three Rhode Island health and human services agencies: Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP), East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP), and Thundermist Health Centers.

Q: Who is eligible to receive dental care on the Molar Express?

A: Children who attend participating schools, head start programs, and other community programs in areas serviced by the three partnering agencies (provided there is a signed consent form from a parent/guardian).

Q: So if I live in one of the communities serviced by these agencies my children can receive free dental care?

A: The three partnering agencies have selected specific sites at schools and head start programs in their communities with the most financial need. If your child does not attend one of these schools, contact the nearest community health center that has a dental program to try to coordinate getting dental care for your child. Your dental insurance will be billed if your child receives care on the Care Mobile or in the school. If you have no dental insurance (or your dental insurance does not cover a dental service that your child receives in that school or on the Care Mobile), you will not be charged for the dental service.

Q: Are children still eligible if our family has dental insurance?

A: Yes. If you have dental insurance, the participating community health center will bill your insurance company on behalf of the Molar Express for all dental services delivered in the school or on the Care Mobile. If you have a co-pay, this bill will be waived.

Q: What if I have no insurance?

A: Parents of children who do not have dental insurance will not be charged for dental care delivered on the Care Mobile or in the school program. However, some children may be referred to one of the partnering agencies’ community health centers for dental work if they require extensive treatment. When care is delivered at the community health center and you have no dental insurance, dental care will be provided on a sliding scale based on your family income and family size.

Q: How will I know if my child’s school/community program is going to participate in the Molar Express Program?

A: If your child is enrolled in a school or program that is participating with the Molar Express Program, he or she will receive an informational packet to take home. This packet will include a letter explaining the dental program, along with a consent/health history form to be completed by parents and returned to the school or community program they are enrolled in. If your child receives this informational packet, it is critical that you complete the forms thoroughly and return to the school or community program as soon as possible. Call 1-800-MOLARXP to find out if the Molar Express is coming to your area.

Additional information:

If you have an immediate need for dental care, contact your nearest community health center that has a dental program.