According to a 1996 Inspector General's Report (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), 80% of eligible Medicaid children have not received dental services. Comprehensive Community Health Centers can and have played a vital role in improving access to dental care, especially for low income and Medicaid children. To assess the impact of a health center on access to dental care, a one year study of Medicaid medical patients was conducted on pediatric patients, ages 5-14, who were seen in the medical department of the health center. A random sample of these patients was drawn and a record review was then conducted to determine what percent of these patients were also seen for dental care. Preliminary six month data shows that nearly 90% (104/117) of the sample of pediatric medical patients received routine dental care. The racial breakdown of the reviewed patients was 70% Hispanic, 10% African-American, 15% White and 5% other. Patients were either self-referred, physician-referred, or came to the dental program through a School Outreach Dental Transportation program in which children are brought to the center by the Health Center van from local elementary schools. One year results will be reported giving more complete results and analysis. This preliminary data confirms the vital role a health center can play in improving access to dental care for pediatric patients on Medicaid.
Learning Objectives: Techniques to improve access Utilize information to increase dental care understand role of Community Health Centers
Keywords: Community Health Centers, Child Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Brookside Community Health Center
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.