A mobile dental clinic is a self-contained dentist’s office housed within a van or other large road vehicle. Mobile dental clinics aim to expand access to dental care by bringing services directly to underserved communities. They can park at schools, community centers, workplaces, and other convenient locations to provide checkups, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and other basic dental treatments.
There are several types of vans and trucks suitable for conversion into mobile dental clinics. The most common options are the Mercedes Sprinter, Renault Master, Ford Transit, and Fiat Ducato vans. These large vans provide the interior space to fit one or two dental chairs, X-ray equipment, sterilization tools, and storage. Custom cabinetry, plumbing, and electrical systems allow the vans to function just like a regular dental office.
Mobile dental clinics offer many benefits compared to a traditional dentist’s office. They increase access to care for rural areas, low-income neighborhoods, seniors, and people with disabilities or limited transportation options. Appointment wait times are reduced since the clinic comes to the patients. Operating costs are lower without an office lease. Dentists can serve more people by eliminating travel time between appointments. Mobile clinics also provide valuable on-site dental care at schools, nursing homes, and large employers.
Mercedes Sprinter Van for Mobile Dental Clinics
The Mercedes Sprinter is a popular choice for mobile dental clinics due to its versatility, reliability, and spacious cargo area. Here are some key things to know about using a Sprinter van for mobile dentistry:
Specs of the Sprinter Van
- Available in multiple lengths – 144″, 170″, and 170″ EXT
- High roof option provides up to 6’4″ of interior standing height
- Up to 547 cu ft of cargo capacity
- Can be rear-wheel or all-wheel drive
- Payload capacity up to 5,000 lbs
Pros of the Sprinter for Mobile Dentistry
- Very customizable interior layouts
- Standing height allows dentists to stand comfortably while working
- Can fit 2-4 dental operatories depending on layout
- Mercedes reliability and safety reputation
- Fuel efficient diesel engine options
Cons of the Sprinter for Mobile Dentistry
- More expensive initial purchase cost than some alternatives
- Large size limits accessibility on some tight roads
- Limited number of Mercedes mechanics in some areas
Clinics Using Sprinter Vans
Some examples of dental clinics using Sprinter vans include:
- Kids Come First Dental – Houston, TX
- SmileMobile – Portland, OR
- Open Wide Dental – Boulder, CO
- Gentle Dental – Phoenix, AZ
The Sprinter platform allows these clinics to customize the perfect layout for delivering dental care on the go while benefiting from Mercedes engineering and performance. The size, reliability, and configurability make it a top choice for many mobile dental operations.
Renault Master Van for Mobile Dental Clinics
The Renault Master is a popular choice for mobile dental clinics due to its versatility, reliability, and customizable interior. Here are some key specs and considerations when using the Renault Master for mobile dentistry:
Key Specs
- Payload capacity up to 2,100 lbs
- Available in multiple lengths and roof heights
- Powerful diesel engines with horsepower ranging from 110 to 180 hp
- Spacious, open cargo area makes conversion easy
Pros for Dental Use
- Large side and rear doors allow easy entry/exit for patients
- Good maneuverability for navigating tight spaces
- Available 4×4 for accessing remote locations
- Lower cost compared to Sprinter or Transit
- Excellent reliability and uptime
Example Dental Clinics Using Renault Master
Mobile Dental Care UK operates several Renault Master vans converted into dental clinics serving rural communities. They customized the vans with two dental chairs, sterilization equipment, and lab space. The Renault Master’s relatively small size allows them to navigate country roads while providing ample room for patients and staff.
The Driving Dentist in Australia uses a Renault Master fitted with a single dentist chair, X-ray machine, and water system. The smaller layout reduces vehicle weight while still providing necessary equipment. The reliable diesel engine handles long drives between rural towns.
Considerations
While very capable, the Renault Master has lower payload capacity compared to the Sprinter or Transit. It also lacks some of the interior height of those vans. But for many mobile dental applications, the Renault Master hits a sweet spot of size, maneuverability, and cost. With proper conversion and layout, it can serve quite well for mobile clinics.
Ford Transit Van for Mobile Dental Clinics
The Ford Transit is a popular choice for mobile dental clinics due to its versatile configurations, reliable performance, and large cargo capacity. Here are some key details about the Transit van:
Specs
- Available in multiple lengths/heights for extra interior room
- Up to 487 cubic feet of cargo space depending on model
- Can be configured with high or low roof options
- Payload capacity ranging from 2,900 to 4,650 lbs
- Choice of V6 gasoline or diesel engines
- Automatic and manual transmission options
Pros for Dental Use
- Spacious interior to fit dental chair, instruments, staff, and supplies
- Good maneuverability for tight spaces like parking lots
- Optional all-wheel drive for accessing rural areas
- Strong cargo tie-downs to secure dental equipment
- Available ladder frame for mounting heavy equipment
- Lower cost than Sprinter vans
Cons for Dental Use
- Not as tall inside as Sprinter high-roof models
- Less luxurious ride than Sprinter or Master vans
- Limited custom cabinetry options compared to Sprinter
Examples
Several mobile dental clinics opt for the versatile Ford Transit van including:
- SmileMobile based in Arizona uses a Transit to bring care to remote reservations
- ToothBus operated by UC San Francisco relies on a Transit van to serve schools
- Virginia Health Wagon converted a Transit into a clinic to aid Appalachian communities
With the right interior outfitting, the Ford Transit can be an ideal platform for delivering dentistry on the go. Its mix of affordability, cargo space, and fuel-efficient engines make it a top choice for many mobile dental clinic builds.
Fiat Ducato Van for Mobile Dental Clinics
The Fiat Ducato is a popular van choice for mobile dental clinics due to its versatility, reliability, and customizability. Here are some key details about using the Ducato for mobile dentistry:
Specs of the Ducato Van
- Available in multiple sizes and lengths, allowing interior customization for 1-4 dental operatories
- Payload capacity up to 4,250 lbs
- Powerful diesel engines with horsepower ranging from 160-180 hp
- Front-wheel drive for maneuverability
Pros of the Ducato for Mobile Dentistry
- Durable commercial-grade construction
- Fuel efficient for driving between locations
- Easy to customize the interior with dental equipment
- Good visibility for driving safety
- Optional all-wheel drive for accessing remote areas
Cons of the Ducato for Mobile Dentistry
- Not as spacious as the Sprinter van
- Somewhat underpowered compared to Transit van
- Parts and service may be limited in some areas
Example Dental Clinics Using the Ducato
Mobile Dental Solutions in the UK operates several Ducato vans customized with 1-2 dental operatories, lab space, and reception areas. They highlight the Ducato’s compact size and fuel efficiency as ideal for mobile dentistry.
The Dentibus in New Zealand uses a wheelchair-accessible Ducato to bring dental care to people with disabilities across Auckland. They praise the Ducato for reliability and carrying capacity.
Overall, the Fiat Ducato presents a flexible, maneuverable option for mobile dental clinics needing to customize the interior to their specifications. Its smaller size does limit capacity compared to larger vans, but it offers dependable performance for bringing dental care directly to people in need.
Comparing the Vans for Mobile Dental Use
The Mercedes Sprinter, Renault Master, Ford Transit, and Fiat Ducato are the most popular vans used for mobile dental clinics. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of their key specs, costs, and customization options:
Mercedes Sprinter
- Payload capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs
- Height: Up to 110 inches
- Engine options: Diesel, gas
- Cost: $35,000 – $50,000+
- Customization: Wide range of upfitter options
Renault Master
- Payload capacity: Up to 4,300 lbs
- Height: Up to 105 inches
- Engine options: Diesel
- Cost: $30,000 – $45,000
- Customization: Decent upfitter options in Europe, more limited in US
Ford Transit
- Payload capacity: Up to 4,650 lbs
- Height: Up to 110 inches
- Engine options: Gas, diesel, hybrid
- Cost: $30,000 – $47,000
- Customization: Many upfitter options
Fiat Ducato
- Payload capacity: Up to 4,400 lbs
- Height: Up to 105 inches
- Engine options: Diesel
- Cost: $30,000 – $45,000
- Customization: Popular in Europe, limited options in US
The Sprinter has the highest payload capacity and engine options. The Transit also has good payload and extensive customization. The Ducato and Master have more limited options in the US market. Costs can vary based on engine, features, and customization. Overall the Sprinter or Transit tend to be top choices for mobile dental clinics in the US.
Customizing the Interior for Dental Use
When outfitting the interior of a van for use as a mobile dental clinic, there are several key factors to consider:
Layout
- The layout needs to allow enough room for the dentist/hygienist to work comfortably, while also accommodating the patient in the dental chair. A typical layout has the dental chair situated in the back, with countertops, cabinets, and dental equipment lining the walls.
- Work surfaces and cabinets should be installed to provide storage and prep space. These are usually custom built.
- Make sure to allow room for staff to move around the patient chair.
- If more than one practitioner will be working, allow space for multiple chairs.
- Include a private area in the front separated from the clinical space for patient registration. This can be created with a dividing wall or curtain.
Equipment
- Basic dental equipment needed includes a patient chair, delivery unit with light, dental tools (handpieces, suction, etc), x-ray machine, sterilization equipment, and digital imaging capabilities.
- The vehicle’s power system must be robust enough to operate all the dental equipment. This may require upgrades to support the electrical load.
- All equipment must be properly secured in place to prevent shifting during transit.
- Any compressed air systems for tools must have backup compressed air tanks for operation while the vehicle engine is off.
Regulations
- Mobile dental clinics must comply with all state dental practice regulations, including those related to radiology equipment, hazardous waste disposal, infection control, etc.
- The van interior and equipment must meet ADA accessibility standards.
- Radiology equipment requires lead-lined walls and follows strict regulations for safe operation.
- Special hazardous waste disposal protocols are needed for medical/dental waste.
Costs
- A new bare van can start around $50,000, while upfitting the interior for dental use can range from $100,000-$250,000.
- Dental equipment costs can range from $80,000-$150,000 depending on what is included.
- Ongoing costs include maintenance, insurance, staffing, fuel, cleaning/disinfection supplies, and general consumables.
- Grants may be available to help offset startup costs for non-profit mobile clinics providing care to underserved populations.
Staffing the Mobile Dental Clinics
Operating a mobile dental clinic requires assembling a team with the proper skills and licenses. At minimum, the staff should include:
- Dentist – A licensed dentist to provide exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions and other treatments. They require a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree and must be licensed in the state(s) where they practice.
- Dental Hygienist – A registered dental hygienist holds an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. They can provide cleanings, x-rays, sealants under the dentist’s supervision. Licensure is required.
- Dental Assistant – Dental assistants prepare treatment rooms, sterilize instruments, assist dentists during procedures. Formal training or on-the-job experience may qualify them for this role.
- Office Manager – An office manager handles scheduling, insurance billing, supply inventory, marketing duties and more. Experience in healthcare administration is preferred.
Ideally, the staff should have experience working in a traditional dental office before transitioning to a mobile setting. The confined space on a mobile clinic requires efficiency and teamwork. Staff must also be comfortable traveling between locations and setting up equipment. Background checks and drug testing provide an added layer of patient protection.
With a collaborative, experienced staff, a mobile dental clinic can deliver quality care to underserved communities across a region. Proper staffing is key to success.
Operational Considerations
Running a mobile dental clinic requires careful planning and preparation to ensure smooth and safe operations. Some key operational considerations include:
Permitting
- Obtain necessary licenses and permits from state dental boards and local municipalities. Requirements vary by location.
- Adhere to regulations on waste disposal, hazardous materials handling, infection control, etc.
- Comply with zoning laws on where the clinic can legally operate. Many areas restrict medical services in residential zones.
Insurance
- Carry appropriate commercial auto insurance for the vehicle. Regular policies may not cover a vehicle outfitted as a dental clinic.
- Obtain medical malpractice insurance to cover any potential liability issues.
- Consider business insurance to cover equipment, supplies, the vehicle itself, etc.
Maintenance
- Follow a strict schedule of preventive maintenance on the vehicle. Breakdowns can severely disrupt clinic operations.
- Service any dental equipment per manufacturer recommendations. Keep detailed maintenance logs.
- Test generators and backup systems regularly. Power is critical for dental tools.
Safety
- Install interior handles, steps, railings to prevent slips and falls. Floors can be slippery.
- Secure dental tools and hazardous chemicals in transit. Use restraints, storage cabinets, etc.
- Ensure staff are properly trained on clinic procedures and equipment.
- Follow OSHA guidelines on workplace safety, infection control, PPE, etc.
Thorough planning and preparation allows a mobile dental clinic to operate smoothly while ensuring regulatory compliance and patient/staff safety. Permitting, insurance, maintenance, and safety measures are all key operational considerations.
The Future of Mobile Dental Clinics
Mobile dentistry is poised for significant growth and innovation in the coming years. Here are some key trends to expect:
Expanding Access
Mobile dental clinics will continue expanding access to dental care in underserved communities. As funding and support increases, more clinics will reach rural areas, schools, nursing homes, and people with disabilities or special needs. This growth will help improve overall public dental health.
New Technology
Mobile clinics will leverage new dental technology like digital x-rays, electronic health records, tele-dentistry, and portable diagnostic tools. This allows for quality care from almost any location. Technology improvements will also enable more preventative and specialist services on mobile clinics.
Alternative Staffing
Some mobile dental clinics will explore alternative staffing models beyond the traditional dentist and hygienist. Training dental therapists and assistants to provide basic care under remote supervision can further expand access. Mobile clinics may also partner with medical outreach programs for medical-dental integration.
Hybrid Brick and Mortar Clinics
Standard dental practices may operate a mobile clinic alongside their regular office. This allows them to serve more people and expand preventative care. Dentists can alternate between the office and mobile clinic as needed.
Public-Private Partnerships
Mobile dentistry will see increased collaboration between public health departments, nonprofits, corporations, and private dental groups. This can provide funding, volunteers, technology resources, and oversight to elevate care quality and accessibility.
With its flexibility and innovation, mobile dentistry is poised to play a larger role in overall dental care. Continued growth and technology improvements will help it reach more people in more places with quality, convenient services.