Session Description: This interactive session will begin with a searing focus on the improvement of overall patient health with integration oral health, followed by practical steps on how health centers can achieve a higher level of quality, community engagement, reduction of health disparities and program support.
Current statistics show that approximately 25% of medical patients receive a dental visit, yet research continues to reveal that health outcomes are significantly impacted with an integrated systems approach. This research has been shown particularly effective for diabetics, pregnant women and oncology patients.
While some feel that dental departments are "loss leaders", within a health center setting, we can show practical strategies to increase revenue , engage community stakeholders and energize clinicians who could feel frustration over attempting to improve outcomes while facing particular social determinants of health.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of the session, attendees will be familiar with established concepts of how oral health is critically integral to overall health.
Upon completion of the session, attendees will be able to implement practical strategies for quality improvement of medical-dental collaboration
Upon completion, attendees of this session will realize the funding support opportunities to enhance medical - dental teams as well as workforce retention tactics.
