Last week, the Mobile Smiles of Oklahoma unit made its impactful presence known at the Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority (OCCJA), delivering essential dental services in a specially outfitted RV-style mobile dental clinic. This initiative represents a milestone in accessible care for incarcerated individuals.
Mobile Smiles of Oklahoma, a program of the Oklahoma Dental Foundation, reaches underserved populations through state-of-the-art mobile dental clinics that travel across the state. Services include advanced screenings, fillings, extractions, cleanings, sealants, fluoride varnish, oral health education and tobacco cessation education.
At OCCJA, the Mobile Smiles team scheduled 10 county detainees per day, ensuring each patient received dedicated, thoughtful attention. Thanks to funding support from the Sam Viersen Family Foundation, the usual site fee was completely waived, enabling the program to maximize its impact.
Kay Johnson, Health Services Administrator at OCCJA, shared her relief and excitement: “It has taken a year to make this happen, and I am so happy we were able to see this unfold. This is a great opportunity to take care of some of the most underserved.”
Inmates who received care expressed their gratitude. One patient said, “They did an amazing job! They were caring, gentle and made sure I was comfortable every step of the way.” Another shared, “Everyone was so kind and helpful! They explained everything, took great care of me, and even made my tooth extraction a positive experience. Five stars!” Others noted, “They fixed a big cavity and now my smile looks better than ever,” and “The mobile clinic was spotless, the team was courteous and knowledgeable, and my cleaning was thorough. They even sealed a molar that needed it, truly a great experience.”
“It’s an honor to serve in this community and the individuals in the care of the Okmulgee County Criminal Justice Authority,” John Wilguess of Mobile Smiles Oklahoma, said. “Our mission is simple: deliver quality dental care in Oklahoma, regardless of circumstance, including those incarcerated across our state. This week of service was made possible in part by a grant from the Sam Viersen Family Foundation, which covered equipment, transportation and, most importantly, the dedicated staff who care for these patients. The outstanding support from OCCJA staff, especially Kay Johnson, made this five-day clinic a success. We can’t wait to return and serve even more patients in the future.”
The Mobile Smiles clinic at OCCJA reflects OCCJA’s ongoing mission to the well-being of those in its care. OCCJA recognizes that access to preventive health services, including dental care, is an important part of treating all individuals with dignity and respect. By partnering with programs like Mobile Smiles of Oklahoma, OCCJA ensures that individuals in its custody receive the same standard of compassionate, quality dental care they would receive in the community.
