Corning-sponsored mobile dental unit hits the road

Corporate Communications

Corning-sponsored mobile dental unit hits the road

Corning-sponsored mobile dental unit hits the road

CORNING, N.Y. | Corning Incorporated | December 02, 2024

Collaboration between Corning Incorporated, Mosaic Health, and Chemung County brings low-, no-cost dental services to Elmira

Corning Incorporated, in collaboration with Rochester-based Mosaic Health and Chemung County, officially launched a new mobile dental unit at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Dec. 2 at the company's Big Flats facility.

The unit, a 39-foot custom-built recreational vehicle emblazoned with a bright green toothbrush, will serve patients at Steele Memorial Library, 101 E. Church Street, Elmira, New York. The mobile dental unit is the culmination of a yearslong plan to bring low- and no-cost dental services to area residents.

Convening local experts to develop solutions with existing community resources and company sponsorship is a key strategy of Corning Community Impact & Investment, the company's philanthropic organization. The Office of Racial Equality & Social Unity (ORESU) within that organization focuses on improving diversity and access in healthcare and education in communities where Corning operates.

In a 2021 assessment, Corning found that 45,000 people in Chemung and Steuben counties have state provided Medicaid while just one regional dental provider accepts Medicaid coverage. Many residents travel long distances to receive care or go without care.

"The reality is, dental care is not a given for everyone, and not everyone gets the same access," said Millicent Ruffin, Senior Director, Corning Community Impact & Investment.

Corning worked with Mosaic Health, a Rochester-based organization already providing school-based mobile dental services in nearly 200 schools and Head Start locations across the Finger Lakes region.

"What Corning offered was the opportunity to provide additional services to those kids, but also just extend these services to folks in the community who don't have access to dental services at all," said Mike Leary, CEO, Mosaic Health. "Partnering with ORESU and Chemung County on operational costs has made it possible for us to actually do this work."

The finished unit, which has the capacity to serve up to 3,000 patients in the first year, will be parked at the Steele Memorial Library in Elmira. However, its mobile nature enables consideration of other locations in the future.

"This is a great example of how corporate organizations can collaborate with local government and nonprofits to really look into the needs of our communities and how to best serve those who need it most," said Millicent.

Chris Moss, Chemung County Executive shared a similar sentiment, "This is a positive example of what private and public partnerships are capable of achieving in our community."

For appointments, call (607) 478-6911. Hours of operation are currently 9 a.m.-3 p.m.,
Thursday and Friday. Learn more about Mosaic Health at www.mosaichealth.org.

About Corning Community Impact & Investment

Corning's Office of Racial Equality and Social Unity is part of Corning Community Impact & Investment (CI&I) Established in December 2023, CI&I centralizes Corning's racial equity and philanthropic contributions in the U.S. under a single organization to maximize impact in areas that align closely with its Values and business objectives. CI&I acts as a trusted resource to nurture vibrant, equitable communities through thought leadership, philanthropic support, and long-term partnerships.

About Corning Incorporated

Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the world's leading innovators in materials science, with a 170-year track record of life-changing inventions. Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people's lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in RD&E, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and deep, trust-based relationships with customers who are global leaders in their industries. Corning's capabilities are versatile and synergistic, which allows the company to evolve to meet changing market needs, while also helping its customers capture new opportunities in dynamic industries. Today, Corning's markets include optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display, automotive, solar, semiconductors, and life sciences.