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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Marlene S. Huff, PhD, RN, Mary Agnes Kendra, PhD, RN, and Elizabeth S Kinion, EdD, RN. College of Nursing, University of Akron, 209 Carroll Street, Akron, OH 44325-3701, 330-972-5930, mhuff@uakron.edu
Vulnerable populations generally do not have access to oral health care, nor do they have a good understanding of linkages between personal lifestyle choices and resultant disease manifestations. This presentation will discuss the public health nursing role in assessing oral health needs of vulnerable populations to empower clients to take ownership of their oral health needs.
One goal of the three-year HRSA grant "Nurses' Oral Health Initiative for the Underserved" is to provide oral health care for vulnerable popuations, specifically urban American Indians, homeless women and children, and low-income elderly. This grant was deemed critical due to the disparity of accessible care for persons with low income in the local community. With funding, the scope of primary care at the nurse-managed academic health center expanded to include oral health. Individuals are assessed; if dental care is indicated, they are referred to the local public health nursing department's dental clinic. Clients learn how to care for their oral health and supplies are provided to meet these needs. Vulnerable populations often do not have the resources to store these supplies; therefore, a personal plan of care is developed.
In one year's time, over 700 clients have been assessed in the nursing center and dental care provided. Three case studies protraying the vulnerability of low-income people and the relationship of associated medical conditions and their influence on oral health will be presented. The public health nursing role related to need and access to care will be highlighted.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Access to Health Care, Oral Health Needs
Related Web page: uakron.edu/nursing/center for nursing
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.