The Mobile Access to Care (MAC) Van

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MAC Van Update

In 2007, the MDS Foundation launched the Mobile Access to Care (MAC) Van. This access-to-care program focused on addressing the oral health needs of the state's underserved children. During this three-year project, the MAC Van traveled to those communities throughout Massachusetts with the greatest oral health needs, providing free oral health services to low-income children. The MAC Van treated more than 4,000 children representing nearly $1,000,000 worth of free care. More than 600 dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants volunteered their services on the Van.

The MAC Van Staff and the MDS Foundation greatly appreciate all the support the MDS membership gave to the MAC Van project. The MDS would also like to thank our corporate sponsors.

With the completion of the MAC Van program, including grant and corporate funding as a three-year project, the MDS Board of Trustees recently appointed a Task Force to identify new opportunities for the mobile dental unit and to research possibly selling the Van to a third party.

The Task Force, upon a thorough review has recommended that the MAC Van be sold, because of the significant expense of operating the program and the lack of corporate sponsorship. The non-personnel cost for the Van storage, insurance, and maintenance to the MDS is approximately $30,000 per year. The MDS Foundation Board and Board of Trustees are also in support of the recommendation of the Task Force and have both approved the selling of the Van.

The MAC Van is in terrific condition, with very low mileage (34k). The MAC van has been meticulously maintained and has state-of-the-art equipment. All inquiries related to purchasing the Van should be directed to Ellen Factor, Assistant Director of Membership & Access programs, at efactor@massdental.org. The MAC Van is also available for short term rentals contact efactor@massdental.org for more information.