Journal of Oral Health and Community Dentistry

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VOLUME 10 , ISSUE 1 ( January-April, 2016 ) > List of Articles

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Oral Health Outreach Programs - Can they Address the Disparities in Access to Dental Care?

M Razdan, HB Degenholtz, RW Rubin

Citation Information : Razdan M, Degenholtz H, Rubin R. Oral Health Outreach Programs - Can they Address the Disparities in Access to Dental Care?. J Oral Health Comm Dent 2016; 10 (1):14-19.

DOI: 10.5005/johcd-10-1-14

License: NA

Published Online: 01-06-2015

Copyright Statement:  NA


Abstract

Objective

This study examines the potential of an oral health outreach program (SCOPE) in addressing disparities in access to dental care.

Material & Method

The extent to which underserved communities represent SCOPE's patient population and the type and quantity of care delivered were examined. Work records of fourth year dental students were analyzed to compute the proportion of under-18, elderly, African-Americans, Hispanics, those on public insurance, and uninsured individuals in the program'spatient population.

Results

The insurance-mix of SCOPE'spatients was compared with the nationally representative sample of dental patients. Compared with the local communities and the nationally representative sample of dental patients; African-Americans, Hispanics, the uninsured, those on state insurance and children were over-represented in SCOPE's patient population.

Conclusion

Oral health outreach programs run by academic dental institutions have the potential to address disparities in access to dental care. Rotating dental students through community-based clinics increases the availability of inexpensive dental professionals in the community.


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