Promoting oral health among the inner city homeless: A community-academic partnership

Homeless populations are disproportionately at risk for oral health problems. Poverty, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders render this population particularly susceptible to poor oral health. Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors contribute to the disparities in oral health. Moreover, oral health care resources for the homeless are scarce, under funded, and generally inadequate to meet the oral health needs of this population. Poor oral health significantly impacts quality of life and may result in unnecessary pain and suffering, loss of self esteem, decreased productivity through lost days at work and school, difficulty chewing, speaking, or swallowing, and even death. The purpose of this program was to improve oral health among the urban homeless in a faith based inner city shelter through education, screening, and improved access to oral health care (including preventive, restorative, endodontic, and periodontic care). Funding was obtained through private foundations and charitable contributions. Collaborative partnerships were established with University Dental and Nursing schools, local clinics, and volunteer dental care providers. To date, approximately 60 residents have accessed services. It is anticipated that 200 residents will eventually be served by the program. This program represents an innovative service delivery model and a collaborative cross disciplinary initiative that is based on successful community-academic partnerships. Such a program can be potentially replicated in other communities to reduce health disparities and increase access to care for underserved populations. By proactively addressing oral health needs through prevention and earlier diagnosis and treatment, morbidity, quality of life, and cost can be positively impacted.