The Children's Dental Program of Mission+St. Joseph's Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina has developed a multifaceted program designed to improve the oral health of the region's children. The program consists of: a mobile, school based out patient practice known as "the ToothBus" which brings both preventive and restorative care to an average of 400 low/no income children/year at 26 elementary schools (1,600 encounters); a hospital-based OR practice that treats 300 children/year with no other recourse; and an education program targeting care providers, patients and parents.
Rather than be frustrated that resources did not exist to care for children, our non profit hospital found a solution. They created a collaboration with public schools, public health, and the private dental community that works to improve a child's self-esteem, general health and school performance. Data will be presented on defining scope of service, maintaining collaboration, the demographic profile of our patient population and on "spin off" activities.
As a "new, non-dental voice," the hospital spearheaded many successful efforts that have positively impacted oral health: the convening of a statewide Task force to assure inclusion of comprehensive dental care in state CHIP coverage; the increase in Medicaid reimbursement for 40 common procedures, the expansion of Medicaid coverage to include Fluoride Varnish applied by physicians; and the initiation of a model for community dental education using "lay" dental resource persons.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Discuss the benefit of hospital leadership in advocating systemic changes to dental reimbursement and education systems. 2. List data elements needed to define and evaluate service delivery. 3. Recognize three assets in providing comprehensive dental care at schools. 4. Identify three challenges in assuring informed consent when providing school based comprehensive care. 5. Describe eligibility criteria for full mouth restoration under general anesthesia for very young children. 6. List incentives to reinforce dental education
Keywords: Health Care Delivery, Oral Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Ruth & Billy Graham Children's Health Center
Mission St. Joseph's Hospital
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment