“If-you-build-it-they-will-come…” - makes good movie dialogue. But it’s an entirely different narrative as it relates to the discussion about mobile dentistry via a mobile dental van (driveable) or a pop-up (portable) dental operatory.
Practically speaking, mobile dentistry - in whatever form - is less about “building” something and more about providing onsite, accessible service delivery. It aligns with the current shift in thinking about how best to make dental care more accessible to an increasingly mobile and/or under-resourced, remote, and aging population.
To clarify, mobile (driveable) dentistry would apply to an adequately equipped vehicle such as a van or other capable vehicle. Portable (pop-up) dentistry describes dental services provided via an equally equipped mobile dental operatory.
Each model would be fully equipped to provide a variety of dental services outside of a fixed dental office.
Although limited in providing a broad scope of service the driveable or portable model is effective in delivering quality of care. And many related models (of either) remain connected to the broader care and supervision of a fixed-location dental practice.
Flexibility is built into each model. You can be mobile or portable and provide services as a private practice or as an extension of a private practice.
Mobile or portable dental care is a “safety net” for many who lack the resources, time, or inclination to seek dental treatment in a fixed facility.
Mobile dentistry (in either form) creates a number of community opportunities:
Services provided by driveable or portable dental models can vary. And the scope of care can be subject to state regulations - especially as the mobile dentistry model expands state to state.
Mobile and portable care can include:
Beyond those services, mobile dentistry providers can be required to collaborate with their own fixed facility, another dental practice, or a specialist.
There are many crossover equipment similarities between a fixed dental practice and a dental clinic that’s mobile/driveable or portable. As you know, there’s standard equipment common with a traditional dental operatory.
Equivalent planning is necessary for providing mobile and portable dental services. Duplicating dental treatment and procedures (as allowed by mobile dentistry) requires equipment that can serve your patient’s needs outside of a traditional dental practice.
For example your mobile dental van can be designed to mimic a fixed dental operatory. Chairs, lighting, water sources, tools and supplies, and sterilization methods are further supported by onboard equipment such as:
The portable (pop-up) dental clinic can match the interior footprint of a mobile (van) model. The difference would be portability capable features such as:
Weighing the pros and cons is worthwhile. Again, it’s essential to start by determining your particular state’s allowances for mobile dentistry in general. Follow that clarification by determining the scope of services you will offer relative to your community, available collaborative support, and your investment potential.
A comparison can be useful.
Pros include:
Cons include:
Pros include:
Cons include:
Overall, a mobile dentistry strategy is effective and timely. Delivering quality care to those who need it…when they need it…is the upside of either model (mobile/van or portable/pop-up).
If you’re considering the mobile or portable dentistry model you might find some additional useful insight in the following resource:
An Overview and Guide to Mobile Dentistry
Teledentix is an innovative, turn-key teledentistry solution created by Virtual Dental Care. The all-in-one platform will enable you to adapt teledentistry to your patient care and extend your services beyond the walls of your dental practice…including your mobile dentistry strategy.
Contact us about Teledentix and discover how it streamlines the interaction between you and your patient around their dental care in the fixed dental practice…and as a mobile dentistry provider.