Boston Senior Oral Health Program: A new model of dental care for vulnerable senior population

Introduction: Seniors are at high-risk for dental/oral diseases due to the lack of affordable dental care, prevalence of chronic conditions and the use of medications that often have negative oral side effects. BRFSS data also indicates that oral health disparities are found among public housing residents.  To address the disparities and dental care needs of low income seniors, the Boston Senior Oral Health Program (Program) was established as a new model of care through a partnership with Boston University Schools of Public Health and Dentistry, FQHCs, the Boston Housing Authority, and a private foundation.  Methods: The Program focuses on seniors residing in public housing providing dental screenings and multi-lingual education at the housing development with referrals to FQHCs for those in need of dental care. All seniors are offered navigation assistance from Resident Health Resources who are public housing residents themselves - trained to function as oral health advocates for their fellow residents. Dental care is provided free of charge to the seniors. Results: Outcome measures include seniors screened, successful referrals, procedures provided, as well as quality of life before and after treatment.  62 seniors have been screened during the last 4 month period, with 80% of seniors successfully referred to FQHCs for preventive and restorative dental care.  Conclusion: As the number of low income seniors and those needing dental care continue to grow and public dental insurance coverage for adults is virtually eliminated, this Program can serve as a model for connecting this population to continuous dental care.