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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Julianna E. Gelinas, RDH, BS and Bonnie S. Coyle, MD, MS. St. Luke's Hospital, Department of Community Health, 801 Ostrum St., Bethlehem, PA 18015
In 1997, the Bethlehem Partnership for a Healthy Community identified dental care as a significant health need of the low-income population residing in the City of Bethlehem. Over the past several years, a coalition of local dentists, dental hygienists, school district, hospital and social agency representatives has implemented a comprehensive program to promote dental health and improve access to dental care. This community-owned initiative includes three components: 1) Community Education and Awareness, 2) Preventative Care and 3) Restorative Dental Treatment. In 2001, program accomplishments included the following: community agencies donated 11,460 dental supplies; public awareness was promoted through mass media coverage and community presentations; a school-based mobile dental service was initiated; a weekly sealant project was staffed by students and an instructor from a local dental hygiene school; weekly preventative care was provided for additional students from two targeted elementary schools at a local Dental Hygiene Clinic; restorative care was conducted by volunteer dentists at three “Marathon Days” during the school year; and local dental specialists (pedodontists, endodontists and oral surgeons) provided complicated treatment to referred patients at no cost. As a result of this strong collaborative effort, over 570 children, who previously had no access to dental services, received complete dental health care. A very low appointment failure rate was achieved due to the support of the referring agencies. This initiative demonstrates that a coalition of professionals, engaging community support, can successfully improve access to comprehensive oral health care.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Oral Health Needs, Access to Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.