Community-Based Dental Care: An Alternative Approach to Improve Access to Dental Providers
COURSE NUMBER: 552
Bonnie G. Branson, RDH, PhD; Melanie Simmer Beck, RDH, PhD
Credit Hours:
2 Hour(s)
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Current evidence indicates that despite previous attention drawn to oral health disparities, children and adults in low-income families, the elderly residing in residential facilities, adults and children with special needs, and people livi...
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Overview
Current evidence indicates that despite previous attention drawn to oral health disparities, children and adults in low-income families, the elderly residing in residential facilities, adults and children with special needs, and people living in “Dental Health Provider Shortage Areas” (DHPSAs) continue to have significant oral health problems due to lack of ready access to dental professionals.1-12 Nationwide, emergency room dental visits nearly doubled from 2000 to 2010 increasing from 1.1 million to 2.1 million.12 The oral health problems high risk populations experience stem from geographical constraints, inadequate numbers of oral health professionals treating Medicaid eligible patients, financial limitations, difficulties interacting with culturally-diverse populations, and/or lack of appropriate knowledge about the need for proper oral health practices.2,4,9,13-15 Untreated oral health problems will inevitably result in developing unnecessary chronic pain, exacerbation of systemic disease such as aspiration pneumonia, reduced quality of life, poor performance in school, and large dental bills.15-17 Figure 1 provides a list of resources that can be used to reveal the health of individual communities. It also includes links to state and national data for comparison purposes.
Name of Resource | Website |
---|---|
County Health Rankings and Roadmap | http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/ |
America’s Health Rankings | http://www.americashealthrankings.org/ |
Quality affordable healthcare for all Americans was the influential factor for establishing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA).28 To support implementation of this legislation, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) established three goals, commonly referred to as the “TripleAim,” to optimize the U.S. healthcare system and improve accountability. The TripleAim framework seeks to improve the patient experiences of care, improve the health of populations, and reduce the costs of health care.29 The ACA has mechanisms in place to develop new patient care models, such as community-based health care, that should improve the health of individuals and the community.28 To facilitate ACA initiatives, the role of public health must measure the health of communities and integrate the provision of health care services into communities.28,30
Intended Audience:
Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Assistants, Dental Students, Dental Hygiene Students, Dental Assisting Students, Office Managers
Date Course Online:
Oct 31, 2017
Last Revision Date:
Mar 24, 2021
Course Expiration Date:
Mar 23, 2024
Cost:
Free
Method:
Self-instructional
AGD Subject Code(s):
750
Technical Requirements:
Stable internet connection and the latest version of browser and device software are recommended.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:
- Define community-based care.
- Determine one’s professional interest in providing community-based care.
- Explain the elements necessary for providing community-based care.
- Describe utilization of the workforce when providing community-based care.
- Recognize the challenges that may be encountered while providing community-based care.
- Identify solutions to meeting the challenges encountered when providing community-based care.
Disclaimers
- P&G is providing these resource materials to dental professionals. We do not own this content nor are we responsible for any material herein.
- Participants must always be aware of the hazards of using limited knowledge in integrating new techniques or procedures into their practice. Only sound evidence-based dentistry should be used in patient therapy.
Note: Registration is required to take test.
Submission Information
Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Submission For credit transfers to appear in your AGD account in real time, make sure to add your AGD membership number in the field provided on the “Share Your Test Score” page.
CE Broker For all states that use CE Broker for licensure, “proof of completions” are electronically reported the first of every month. If a course was taken in November, the “proof of completion” will be submitted the beginning of December.
Recognition
Approved PACE Program Provider
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
Nationally Approved PACE Program Provider for FAGD/MAGD credit.
Approval does not imply acceptance by any regulatory authority or AGD endorsement.
8/1/2021 to 7/31/2027
Provider ID# 211886
AADH Approved Program Provider
Procter & Gamble is designated as an approved Provider by the American Academy of Dental Hygiene, Inc. #AADHPGC (January 1, 2022-December 31, 2023). Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial Board of Dentistry. Licensee should maintain this document in the event of an audit.
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