This paper builds upon the strengths of a community and demonstrates the value of an interdisciplinary approach at a community level, using a range of multi-disciplinary stakeholders to build resources for needs. This case study highlights access to oral health care for children, who are low income rural southern Illinois residents. It also showcases how an interdisciplinary approach could be used to strengthen the face of oral health services in a rural community. A group of community stakeholders came together to address the issues related to access for oral health services for one specific county area. The process included a needs assessment, that incorporated various professional disciplines (Public Health, Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, Medicine, Education and Social Work) into the assessment process, facilitated through the local public health department. Through the pooling of various stakeholders' strengths, a strategy to improve oral health services across the life span were identified. Through this model, the paper discusses the process of an interdisciplinary approach and implications for its use in other areas of community resource need. This approach can also be used as a model for community assessment within a "Global context".
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session participants will: 1. Describe an interdisciplinary model for community assessment. 2. Identify how key community stakeholders contribute their expertise to build community resources. 3. Create an approach for a global process for oral health needs assessment.
Keywords: Oral Health Needs, Community Assets
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.