Substantial numbers of Medicaid eligible children, families and adults living in rural communities do not receive dental care of any kind due to a host of barriers related to access. This problem is amplified in children from low income families. The SIUC research team proposes to examine and articulate barriers to dental care access within rural communities in Southern Illinois. Proposed areas of study include: access to dental care, community education, and patient compliance with referrals, and propose specific recommendations for remediation. As a consequence of the findings, a blueprint for action and model for understanding the importance of, and accessing services will be developed. This blueprint and recommendations for service delivery in rural Southern Illinois will be initiated through key stakeholder agencies within the Southern Illinois community and include a local Federally Qualified Health Center, the academic and public health communities. The recommendations which were developed kept in mind the Institute of Medicine's Core Functions of Public Health, to include assessment, assurance and policy development. This experience can serve as a case study for other rural health programs both in Illinois and rural venues.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, the participant will: 1. Be able to articulate at least three barriers to dental care access. 2. Be aware of three options for service delivery in rural communities. 3. Articulate the impact of policy options at a community level
Keywords: Oral Health, Rural Health Care
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.