The inability of large segments of our population to realize adequate access to dental services is a large and complex problem. Addressing the barriers contributing to this issue will call for long-term political and economic changes. It will require collaborative efforts from the public and private sectors. While national initiatives are necessary, state and local efforts are integral to effective and efficient implementation of strategies that will help alleviate the problem.
The Red River Region Dental Access Coalition formed in 1997 to improve access to dental services for underserved people in the area. Members of the coalition include private practice dentists, representatives from MN & ND departments of health and Medicaid offices, health plans, dental teaching programs, and local public health and community dentistry providers. This presentation will outline the regional initiative that has resulted in expansion of dental services in a multi-county two state area. Strategies for obtaining broad based membership will be described as well as the strategic planning process used by the coalition to identify key intitiaves. Specific attention will focus on the public private partnership between Family HealthCare Center and the county public health department that collaboratively secured funding for site expansion and managment of the dental program.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Oral Health, Community-Based Partnership
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.