A Brighter Way for dental health for Arizona youth
Healthy teeth are an important part of overall health for young people.1 However, accessing dental care is not a level playing field for all children.
Kids from low-income households are twice as likely to have tooth decay in their permanent teeth versus kids from high-income households.2 In the Phoenix area, Brighter Way Institute is committed to improving this by creating more accessible and reliable dental care, with an approach centered around the patient.
Through a mobile dental center known as the Tooth Bus, Brighter Way Institute comes to kids where they are, visiting schools, community health fairs and Boys & Girls Clubs across the Phoenix area. A donation from UnitedHealthcare helped bring this bus to life in 2018, and a $200,000 investment in 2025 — part of a multi-year collaboration — is helping expand the mobile clinic’s reach, creating thousands of appointments where children may not have otherwise been served.
“This is not only a health center on wheels but also an outreach and education vehicle, raising awareness about the connection between dental health and overall physical and mental health,” said Jean Kalbacher, chief executive officer of the UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona and board member, Brighter Way Institute. “And we know how important whole person care is to each individual regardless of age, gender, race or where they live.”
By bringing care directly to schools and community centers, the Tooth Bus creates a streamlined experience for families who might otherwise face barriers. In 2025 alone, Brighter Way reported over 6,600 patients served by the Tooth Bus, including children and adults.
The Tooth Bus provides:
- Dental assessments
- Help with scheduling follow-up appointments for ongoing care
- A Smile Bag for each child with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- Nutrition education to make dental care an engaging experience for children
“Tooth Bus has been the foundation for Brighter Way’s community growth. Tooth Bus serves individuals through remote access, including children, adults, and families. We are proud to be partnering with UnitedHealthcare,” said Dr. Kris Volcheck, Founding CEO of Brighter Way.
These efforts from Brighter Way Institute and the Tooth Bus, supported by UnitedHealthcare’s long-term investment, are expanding access to care while delivering a better experience for patients and families.
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