Medical/Dental Bus Ministry

1. Medical/Dental Bus Ministry A Ministry of North Carolina Baptist Men Supported by Gifts to the NC Missions Offering

2. HISTORY In the fall of 1988, the concept of a medical/dental bus ministry was presented to the NC Baptist Men Executive Committee. A 40-foot diesel, Blue Bird bus was ordered at a cost of around $140K. This bus arrived in time for display at the annual meeting in November 1989.

3. The Ministry Flourishes By the year 2000, this bus was in need of repair or replacement. The decision was made to purchase a second medical/dental bus. Due to the high demand for this ministry, the first bus was renovated in 2001, and today both buses are providing service almost daily.

4. Purpose The goals of the Medical/Dental Bus Ministry are: • To share Jesus Christ with every person served. • To meet the physical needs of those individuals. It is imperative that all who involve themselves in this ministry see that both of these goals are accomplished.

5. 2001 Model

6. Description of the Buses and Equipment • 40-Foot Blue Bird Diesel Frame • Customized with two fully equipped dental chairs in each • One seat for patient waiting area • Generators or 240-Volt electric hookup • Self-contained clean water supply and waste disposal

7. Volunteers Operate Equipment Each medical/dental bus is equipped with x-ray equipment and developer, autoclave, ultrasonic cleaner, curing light, amalgamator and more for use by dental professionals. The Bus Driver and hostess assist with the operation of this equipment.

8. Volunteer dentists, hygienists and dental assistants make this ministry possible. • The sponsoring organization is responsible for recruiting local dental professionals to provide treatment to patients on the dental bus.

9. 2008 Statistics The buses were used 200 days in 2008 traveling over 19,000 miles 3900 patients were treated. 1185 dentists, assistants, physicians and nurses volunteered. 416 pastors, translators and counselors volunteered. 1040 layworkers assisted

10. Types of Dental Care Provided The dentists and sponsoring organization determine which areas of single visit dental care to offer: examinations, cleanings, fillings, X-rays, extractions, sealants for children.

11. Who are the Dental Patients? Churches, associations, health clinics and other sponsoring organizations choose the target group to be served by this ministry. The patients may be from a mobile home park, from a low income housing project, at county fairs, at homeless shelters, school children, and anywhere there is a need. Translators are essential to Hispanic and other language ministries. The bus ministry supplies medical and dental records in English and Spanish.

12. Costs to use the Medical/Dental Bus There is no charge to the patient to receive care from this ministry. The church or other sponsoring organization is responsible for the following costs: Mileage: .65 cents/mile roundtrip from Cary $7.00 per dental patient $7.00 per hygiene patient $5.00 per medical patient seen on the bus Generator $3.00 per hour if needed Meals and lodging for bus driver/hostess if applicable

13. The Medical/Dental Bus Ministry Team Looks Forward to Working With You

14. For More Information A planning manual is available, at no charge, to help you organize a successful dental clinic. A copy of this powerpoint presentation and Medical/Dental Bus brochures are available for promotion. Contact: Joanne Honeycutt jhoneycutt@ncbaptist.org 1-800-395-5102 ext 5603