New hybrid van is bringing more smiles and care to the community

Sergio Suarez (seated) and Dylan Martin (standing) are U of M dental students completing their school rotation with HealthFinders. 

HealthFinders’ commitment to promoting accessible dental care just got a boost with the addition of a new plug-in hybrid minivan. Now the dental team can reach more places, faster and more efficiently. 

Prior to getting the van, the HFC dental program has relied on staff using their personal vehicles—juggling schedules, trying to fit supplies into smaller vehicles, and never quite knowing if a car would be available. Now, thanks to generous support from the Delta Dental Foundation and the Minnesota Department of Health’s Critical Access Dental Infrastructure Grant, HFC has a dedicated, energy-efficient van that makes the job easier. 

HFC Dental Coordinator and Hygienist Fausto Rodela-Rodriguez says the van will be used to transport outreach supplies and equipment to schools and other outreach sites. Getting a van has been a long-term goal and he says it’s inspiring to see it in action.  

“The dental team is super excited to have a vehicle to help with outreach and events. The van simplifies travel and logistics by giving us a dedicated way to move supplies, rather than having to coordinate multiple personal vehicles.  In the future, it may also allow us to provide transportation for patients, depending on need and capacity.” 

With the hybrid van on the road, the dental team is now preparing for fall outreach at Faribault and Northfield schools, and other community locations. They will be providing dental screenings, toothbrush polishing, and fluoride applications—each with parental consent. If any concerns are identified during the screenings, HFC staff will send a note home with the student so parents can follow up and schedule care in the clinic.  

When it’s not helping the dental team, the van will be used for programs like substance use and mobile opioid support, giving more people the care they need. 

As HealthFinders Executive Director Charlie Mandile puts it, “This allows us to provide access to everyone, regardless of circumstances. At HFC, we meet patients where they are—and this van helps us do that in a real, tangible way.” 

With every trip, the van is bringing care, connection, and smiles to more people in our community. 

HFC Dental Program Assistant Melissa Valencia loads the van for a community outreach visit.