Mobile vans bring dental care to those who have trouble getting it

Kare Mobile serves patients in six states. (Photo provided) 

By Hayden Gooding
University of Kentucky

Good oral health is crucial for overall well-being and receiving dental services helps maintain it. But many people who need dental care are often unable to receive it, especially in rural areas or those in certain racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.

University of Kentucky College of Dentistry alumnus Kwane Watson founder and CEO of Kare Mobile Inc., strives to advance Kentucky by serving those who need dental care but often lack access.

While working as the state dental director for Community Dental of Kentucky, Watson gained a clearer view of access issues and demand for dental care while traveling between Western Kentucky and the West End of Louisville.

“Practicing in Western Kentucky was an eye-opener,” Watson recalled. “I didn’t realize the degree of need in Western and Eastern Kentucky, or how long people have to wait to get an appointment because there are no Medicaid providers available.”

Kwame Watson (Kare Mobile photo)

In 2017, Watson had a vision. He found a van and reached out to a friend who had experience in completing food truck renovations. From there, his first mobile dental operatory, Kare Mobile, was created.

Over the past six years, his practice has become dedicated to eliminating "dental deserts" to ensure that all patients can receive care regardless of their racial, ethnic or socioeconomic status.

Kare Mobile puts patients at the center of everything it does. Watson’s goal is to bring affordable, comprehensive dental services to low-income communities where services have been hit hard by the rising cost of dental operations.

The mobile dental service provides various services including adult and child cleanings, root canals, extractions, fillings and more.

What started as a dentist with a vision and a van in Louisville, has now expanded across multiple states. Kare Mobile currently serves patients in Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan, Georgia and Oklahoma. Watson plans to continue growing Kare Mobile to reach more underserved communities and individuals facing barriers to traditional dental services.

In recognition of his accomplishments, Watson was awarded a Torch of Excellence Award by the UK Alumni Association last fall. These awards celebrate alumni "whose faith, hard work and determination has positively affected the lives of people on the UK campus, the city, state or nation.

Learn more about Kare Mobile and services near you here.