Innovative Solution Extends Needed Dental Care To Head Start Children

Main Category: Dentistry
Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 07 Jan 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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An innovative solution which should increase needed dental care for children served by Head Start has been approved by both the federal government and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Developed through a proposal by the Minnesota Head Start Program, the Minnesota Dental Association (MDA), the Minnesota Dental Hygienists Association (MDHA), and Apple Tree Dental, this unique plan will improve dental access for Head Start children through use of "collaborative dental hygienists."

This initiative is one of the first in the nation, a model being watched by other states, that will allow Minnesota to increase the percentage of Head Start children receiving a dental exam. Currently less than 65% of children in some areas are receiving such an exam, far less than the 100% required by federal law. In fact, some of Minnesota's Head Start programs were at risk of losing their federal funding because of the cited health and safety deficiency. Studies have shown that about 30% of the children will have untreated cavities and 10% will have urgent dental care needs.

"I think we will look back on this as an important moment when the MDA and MDHA took the lead to fully implement community collaborative practice so that those who need it the most receive the care they need," said Deb Jacobi, Director of Policy and Advocacy for the non-profit Apple Tree Dental.

Under the approved plan, the dental hygienists will triage the children into three categories, including those with no untreated dental caries, those with untreated caries, and those who need immediate dental treatment. Those children with dental needs will then be referred to a participating dentist for a further examination and treatment.

"We are just thrilled," said Gayle Kelly, executive director of the Minnesota Head Start Association. "This helps to make sure that children who really need dental services will get treatment."

The agreement allows dental hygienists who have entered into a collaborative agreement with a dentist to be able to assess Head Start children. Minnesota's collaborative agreement law allows a licensed dental hygienist who meets certain experience and education qualifications to perform hygiene services for the uninsured and medical assistance recipients in settings other than the typical dental office, including Head Start programs.

"Minnesota dentists are committed to providing all children with dental care," said Richard Wiberg, a practicing dentist and president of the Minnesota Dental Association. "This is one of several ways the dental profession is trying to improve access to dental care where it is needed most, despite under-funded government reimbursement programs."

In February, the Minnesota Dental Association's Give Kids a Smile outreach will provide free dental care to children across the state for the 5th year. More than 20,000 children have received free dental care through this outreach effort. And more than 200 dentists participate in the Donated Dental Service Program in which dentists donate their services to the elderly, handicapped, chronically ill and developmentally disabled.

The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in Minnesota, representing 83% of practicing dentists. It is committed to the highest standards of oral health and access to care for all Minnesotans. You can learn more at http://www.mndental.org.

Minnesota Dental Association
http://www.mndental.org

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