Increasing Access to oral healthcare for Persons with HIV, the Dental case management model

In 2006 HRSA funded 15 HIV Oral Health Demonstration projects under their SPNS initiative to increase access to oral healthcare for persons with HIV. Nine of the sites included a dental case manager (DCM)as part of their innovation strategy. In June 2008 representatives from these programs convened in a focus group to come to consensus on the roles, responsibilities, training needs, and background required to affect access to oral healthcare services. Results of the focus group will be presented as will a discussion on the potential use of DCMs in other oral health programs. Although case management is not a new model in HIV services, it is unique to oral health. DCMs are effective in reducing barriers, non-dental personnel can be trained in this capacity, major functions relate to patient outreach and retention, but also a primary function is linkage to other HIV-related services and cross-referral. DCMs have a more focused client load and can serve a higher volume of patients. Data from the sites using a DCM indicated that they are effective in reducing no-shows, reducing barriers and increasing access to care.