Tri-County Dental began a new chapter for its Robert Glass Focus on Children (RGFOC) program by hosting a community-wide open house to unveil its new two-chair mobile dental clinic and upgrades to its physical clinic location. With support from various funds within the Community Foundation, Tri-County Dental is expanding and improving care, enabling more children to receive treatment in their local schools.

“We are so excited to share recent clinic upgrades and the arrival of our two-chair mobile clinic,” said Sandy Drexler, CEO & Executive Director for Tri-County Dental. “Each year, we treat around 6,000 children and adults who otherwise wouldn’t have access to oral healthcare.”

The open house showcased the new 30-foot, two-chair mobile clinic, which arrived in July. A second three-chair mobile clinic is set to arrive in spring 2026. This will enable Tri-County Dental to visit more sites across five school districts and continue its regular stops with key partners, including Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs, and local health organizations.

Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the clinic upgrades that improve patient experience. Highlights included a new lobby mural and a refreshed sterilization area with new equipment, cabinets, flooring, and ceiling. Technology improvements were also on display. These included a redesigned website, upgraded servers and computers, and the addition of an advanced all-tissue laser.

“We are grateful to Tri-County Dental for their commitment to ensuring access to essential health care for children in our community,” said Jenny Krikava, Community Engagement Manager at the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. “Thanks to the generous support of the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund, we are proud to help support the children’s dental program, which continues to make a real difference in the lives of local families. We’re excited to see these advancements in care, from the new mobile clinic to the enhanced facilities, and look forward to seeing even more people benefit from these vital services.”

Launched in 2012, the RGFOC program, offered through Tri-County Dental, provides free, school-based care to children who face barriers such as transportation, cost, and limited appointment availability. Volunteers, including dentists, hygienists, and students, provide screenings, cleanings, exams, and treatments at schools and community sites. Each child served by the program also learns the basics of oral hygiene. This helps them establish strong habits at home.

Each year, the RGFOC program provides an estimated $3.2 million in dental care for children with no cost to families. Of that total, $350,000 to $500,000 is in unreimbursed care. In 2024, the RGFOC program served 4,168 students. As of July, of this year, 2,810 students have already received care. Additional visits are planned for the fall and early winter.

To learn more about Tri-County Dental and the Robert Glass Focus on Children Program, visit https://tricountydental.org/.