OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate a model of integrated dental and medical services for a population of culturally diverse children receiving medical and dental care in a community health clinic. This oral health program is designed to meet the needs of underserved children at significant risk for dental decay. SETTING: The clinic, located in the neighborhood with the highest medical and social risk factors in Minneapolis, Minnesota, provides medical, dental and social services to 8,600 patients annually. INTERVENTION: Children, ages 12-60 months who attended medical well child examinations were evaluated for plaque, dental decay and presence of oral streptococcus mutans. A dentist joined the medical examination to conduct the assessment and to provide education to caregivers regarding oral health and nutrition. Caregivers were also provided with a dental health kit that included toothbrush and tipee cup. Children who were found to have oral pathology were immediately scheduled for dental care in the dental clinic. RESULTS: Over 70% of the children had never received any dental care. And of this number, one-third were found to have dental pathology at the time of the screening. Of the children who had received dental care, 75% nonetheless had decay present. Caregivers recorded high satisfaction (95%) with the combined medical/ dental screening. CONCULSIONS: This study documented the alarmingly high degree of oral pathology and un-accessed services for children less than age six. This study also provides a model of integrated health care that increases access for oral health evaluation and education for underserved young children.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Oral Health, Child Health Promotion
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.