Implementing an early childhood oral health program in a federally qualified health center in North Carolina

Abstract

bOHP increased dental visits among children ≤3 years but the finding might be attributable to clinic changes coinciding with bOHP implementation that were not controlled with the study design. Additional studies are needed in populations experiencing challenges accessing dental care.

Impact on Dental Utilization of the Integration of Oral Health in Pediatric Primary Care Through Quality Improvement

“…Many previous studies evaluating oral health related to QI focused on process-based measures 19–25. The present study takes these evaluations a step further and demonstrates several associations with improved outcomes over a 5-year period.…”

“…Many previous studies evaluating oral health related to QI focused on process-based measures. [19][20][21][22][23][24][25] The present study takes these evaluations a step further and demonstrates several associations with improved outcomes over a 5-year period. In this retrospective claims-based study, children receiving FV at QI medical practices were significantly less likely to have caries-related treatment visits and dental GA visits, and more likely to receive preventive dental visits, than those who received FV at dental practices or non-QI medical practices.…”

“…19 In North Carolina, oral health-related QI projects demonstrate process improvements including reduced time to initial dental visits, improved dental visit documentation, and an increased number of dental visits among children 3 years and younger. [20][21][22] In Michigan, QI initiatives increased FV applications in medical practices by training staff and automating electronic medical record reminders and FV orders. 23 In rural Vermont, a FV QI project demonstrated economic feasibility and acceptability by medical providers and staff members.…”

“…A systematic review of oral health–related QI initiatives found a wide variety of measures used to evaluate success, including overall quality of care, patient satisfaction, service quality, internal processes, and business outcomes 19. In North Carolina, oral health–related QI projects demonstrate process improvements including reduced time to initial dental visits, improved dental visit documentation, and an increased number of dental visits among children 3 years and younger 20–22. In Michigan, QI initiatives increased FV applications in medical practices by training staff and automating electronic medical record reminders and FV orders 23.…”