Since 2005, the Ronald McDonald House® Care Mobile: Hazard has been a lifeline for children across Eastern Kentucky, delivering free, preventive pediatric dental care and education directly to the communities that need it most. This program is a partnership between the University of Kentucky and Ronald McDonald House® Lexington, rooted in a shared commitment to removing barriers to care.
Each school year, our Care Mobile serves more than 1,500 children across Perry, Knott, Leslie, and Letcher counties, providing preventive dental services, oral health education, and early intervention that can change the trajectory of a child’s health and confidence. What began in response to alarmingly high rates of untreated tooth decay has grown into a trusted, consistent presence in Eastern Kentucky communities.
When our Care Mobile launched in 2005, children in Eastern Kentucky faced the second-highest rates of untreated tooth decay in the nation, with nearly 7 out of 10 elementary students affected.
Through consistent, school-based preventive care and education, our Care Mobile has driven measurable progress. Untreated tooth decay has declined by 23%, and urgent dental needs such as pain and infection have been reduced by half in the communities served.
The impact reaches beyond oral health. Poor dental health is linked to chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes and can affect a child’s ability to learn, focus, and thrive. In Perry County, the school superintendent observed that the two schools with the lowest tooth decay rates also posted the highest standardized test scores, highlighting the strong connection between health and academic success.
By bringing frequent, positive dental visits directly into schools, our Care Mobile also reduces dental fear and builds lifelong habits. Children gain confidence, practical oral health knowledge, and an understanding of how nutrition and daily care support long-term health, helping ensure brighter smiles and stronger futures across Eastern Kentucky.
