Providence Queen of the Valley’s Mobile Dental Clinic builds brighter, healthier futures for Napa’s children
In addition to providing full service oral health care in the mobile dental clinic, Dr. Maryam Mohsenzadeh and her team go on-foot into Napa preschool and kindergarten classrooms to offer oral health screenings and education.
Dr. Maryam Mohsenzadeh is a familiar and friendly face at Napa County schools. Dr. Mohsenzadeh (known by patients as “Dr. Maryam”) has led Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center’s Children’s Mobile Dental Clinic for nearly 17 years, providing essential oral health care to underserved children.
The dental office on wheels is a common sight around Napa Valley. With two dentists and four support staff, the clinic has provided essential services such as examinations, cleanings, health education, X-rays, fillings, and more to roughly 9,500 patients over the last two years.
Children from lower-income families are less likely to receive regular dental care, with more than twice the rate of untreated tooth decay. At Providence Queen of the Valley’s Children’s Mobile Dental Clinic, no child is turned away for lack of insurance or an inability to pay. Without this service, many families would face long waitlists or would be unable to afford care.
Bringing dental care to underserved children
By visiting schools and eight different community sites in underserved neighborhoods, the clinic brings dental health directly to those who need it, eliminating barriers like resources, time, transportation, and lack of education. With over 90% of patients coming from underserved communities, the clinic ensures no child lacks access to quality dental care.
“We work closely with the schools and schedule appointments like a private practice. Everyone gets the same quality treatment — no one is turned away,” said Dr. Mohsenzadeh.
“For many children, our clinic is the only place they receive dental care. At Providence Queen of the Valley’s Mobile Dental Clinic, our mission is to ensure every child in Napa County has access to the highest standard of dental care.”
Queen of the Valley’s mobile dental clinic is a lifeline for many families throughout Napa.
The mobile dental clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art technology comparable to private dental practices, including digital X-rays and advanced imaging, adhering to Providence’s strict standards to ensure safe and effective treatment for children. The ability to perform on-site diagnostics significantly reduces delays, allowing for immediate treatment, personalized care plans and improved dental health outcomes.
Going on-foot to provide oral health screenings in Napa schools
In addition to providing full service oral health care in the mobile dental clinic, for the past 15 years the Providence team has gone on-foot into Napa preschool classrooms to offer oral health screenings and education. This occurs several times during the school year and referrals for follow up care in the mobile dental clinic are scheduled as needed.
Now, thanks to a multi-year state grant from the Napa County Office of Education and other funding sources, Providence Queen of the Valley has expanded screenings to include kindergarten students as well.
“We are grateful for this grant as well as other funding made possible by Providence Queen of the Valley Foundation and our generous donors. These contributions have supported the mobile dental clinic and help us expand our services to provide oral health screenings for children in need,” said Dr. Mohsenzadeh.
Fostering healthy habits
Providence Queen of the Valley’s Children’s Mobile Dental Clinic is focused on prevention and teaching children healthy habits at an early age. Many young patients who started as toddlers now return as college students. The continuity of care builds trust, making the clinic feel like part of an extended family.
“It is incredibly rewarding to see the same parents year after year and to know that since their children were in their car seats, they have been receiving personalized, high-quality care,” she shares.
Learn how Queen of the Valley is promoting a brighter, healthier future for Napa’s children at providence.org/queenmobiledental
About Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center
The largest health care facility and one of the largest employers in Napa County, Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center is a nonprofit 208-bed acute care facility located in the city of Napa. Queen of the Valley is dedicated to bringing Napa Valley residents the best care possible, close to home.
