Background: Although there has been a decline in dental caries in the United States, rates continue to be significantly high among individuals residing in low-income, rural communities. The Florida Department of Health has included increased dental care access among its highest priorities, yet rates in Desoto County are among the lowest in the state. The Bon Secours de Ayuda Health Center (BSCA) is the first facility in the County to provide dental services to its Medicaid-eligible community. Purpose: To identify the degree to which the Medicaid managed care system has impacted the current oral health perceptions and behaviors of a Medicaid-eligible population. Method: The Desoto County Area Health Educaton Center (AHEC) project, in congruence with the BSCA, developed and administered the BSCA Dental Questionnaire. The instrument, which contained both qualitative and quantitative questions, was used to conduct face-to-face interviews with low-income residents. Questions fell into three categories: perceived needs, knowledge, and practices. Results: As this is a work in progress, participants' oral health attitudes and behaviors will be determined. The correlation of the degree to which Medicaid eligibility and its related barriers impact these indicators will be used to propose an outreach intervention. Importance: Both clinical and health education services are paramount in order to combat adverse dental health outcomes in rural areas and must be tackled through understanding the priorities of the communities in question. This study will provide a comprehensive, systematic model by which similar projects may begin to positively influence dental care access rates and outcomes.
Learning Objectives: Upon conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. List 4 indicators that correlate adverse oral health with Medicaid enrollment or eligibility 2. Classify and prioritize the building blocks of a community-focused oral health assessment and intervention: perception and subsequent health-seeking behavior 3. Apply the Bon Secours Clinica De Ayuda formative research model to the development of an oral health intervention for families whose incomes fall 150% below the Federal Poverty Level or do not have insurance
Keywords: Access to Care, Oral Health Needs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Bon Secours Clinica De Ayuda
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.