Community Health Center of Fort Dodge expands access to care with a new Mobile Dental Clinic
FORT DODGE, IA – Community Health Center of Fort Dodge (CHCFD) celebrated the launch of its new, state-of-the-art mobile dental clinic with a floss-cutting ceremony on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 10 a.m. Speakers included Renae Kruckenberg, CEO of CHCFD, April Schmaltz, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa, Ryan Flaherty, Duncombe Elementary Principal and Casey Johnson, Fort Dodge Greater Growth Alliance Ambassador.
The new mobile clinic was funded by a $350,000 grant from Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation and will expand the reach of a school-based dental clinic program. The new mobile unit compliment portable dental carts, enabling the team to serve more patients more efficiently and to provide a broader range of services.
The 38-foot mobile unit includes two dental chairs and a small reception area.
“The need for accessible oral healthcare in our community continues to grow,” said CHCFD CEO Renae Kruckenberg. “This new mobile clinic allows us to meet patients where they are, whether that’s in schools, senior facilities, or rural neighborhoods. We’ll be able to deliver quality, integrated care that supports their overall health.”
The Fort Dodge area has seen a rise in the number of residents living below the federal poverty level and without insurance. With few dental providers in the region accepting Medicaid or uninsured patients, CHCFD’s expansion helps fill a critical care gap.
Since 2022, CHCFD has provided preventive oral health services to more than 500 students at Butler and Duncombe Elementary Schools in the Fort Dodge Community School District, utilizing the mobile dental carts. While the program has been effective, the demand for services has outpaced capacity.
“Offering dental care at school is a win for students and parents,” said Ryan Flaherty, Duncombe Elementary Principal. “It removes the stress of finding transportation or taking time off work for appointments and helps kids stay healthy and focused in class.”
In addition to the mobile dental clinic, Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation’s grant also funded the purchase of a Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener to provide a quick vision screening during a patient’s visit.
“At CHCFD, we believe in an integrated approach to healthcare,” said Kruckenberg. “If we can provide a dental exam, a vision screening, and a blood pressure check all in one visit, we’re helping patients manage their health more completely, and that benefits the whole community.”
“We’re proud to invest in a healthier Iowa alongside Community Health Center of Fort Dodge,” said April Schmaltz, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa. “Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation applauds CHCFD and its goals to improve access to dental care and oral health education. We encourage local families to get the preventive services they need to stay healthy and active.”
CHCFD serves residents across Webster, Wright, and Cerro Gordo counties, offering integrated medical, dental, and behavioral health services to improve community health.
About the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge
The Community Health Center of Fort Dodge is a federally qualified health center that provides medical, dental, vision exams, behavioral health and pharmacy services. Their services are available to patients regardless of insurance status. They accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans, and offer a sliding fee scale for those who qualify.
About Delta Dental of Iowa
Delta Dental of Iowa, a not-for-profit health and wellness company, provides dental and vision benefits to more than 1.6 million Iowans. Locally focused and nationally networked, Delta Dental of Iowa and its Foundation invest in robust community systems and partnerships. These efforts empower and engage all Iowans to have optimal oral, vision, and overall health. Since 2002, Delta Dental has invested more than $74 million to improve the oral and overall health of Iowans.
Delta Dental of Iowa is a member of the Delta Dental Plans Association, the leading national network of independent dental service corporations. The Delta Dental member companies provide dental benefits to more than 89 million Americans in more than 166,000 employee groups throughout the country. For more information, visit the website at www.deltadentalia.com.