New Mobile Dental Clinic Brings Care to Texas County

A new mobile dental clinic began serving Texas County on November 18, 2025, as part of a joint effort by the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and the Oklahoma Dental Foundation. The MobileSmiles unit is parked near Memorial Hospital of Texas County in Guymon and will travel across the Oklahoma Panhandle to reach communities with limited dental providers.

The clinic provides preventive and basic restorative dental services. Procedures available on the mobile unit include cleanings, X rays, fillings, extractions, fluoride varnish and sealants. The program accepts private insurance and Medicaid, and it is structured so no one will be turned away for inability to pay.

Fourth year dental students from the OU College of Dentistry will rotate through the MobileSmiles unit and deliver care under faculty supervision. The dual purpose of the initiative is to meet local patient needs while exposing students to rural practice settings, a strategy aimed at increasing the likelihood that graduates will choose to practice in smaller communities after graduation.

Local impact is immediate. For patients who previously faced long drives or limited appointment options, the clinic brings routine and urgent dental services into the community. Preventive care such as cleanings and sealants can reduce tooth decay and emergency dental visits, easing pressure on local emergency departments and helping families avoid unexpected costs. Acceptance of Medicaid helps low income residents obtain care that has been difficult to access in the region.

The presence of the mobile unit near the county hospital fosters coordination between medical and dental services, which can be particularly important for patients with chronic health conditions that are linked to oral health. By situating services in Guymon, the program also creates a regular training site for students to gain experience with rural patient populations and the logistical challenges of providing care outside of large urban centers.

The initiative arrives amid ongoing concerns about dental provider shortages in rural areas. While the MobileSmiles unit does not replace permanent clinics, it provides targeted relief and a platform for building longer term workforce solutions. For community leaders and residents, the program represents a practical step toward improving oral health access, training future rural providers, and strengthening local health infrastructure.

As the MobileSmiles unit begins rotations, officials expect it to be a recurring presence in the Panhandle, offering both immediate services and a potential boost to recruitment of dentists who are familiar with and committed to rural practice.