The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62596

Jeffrey Kirk, DDS¹, Richard E. Fredekind, DMD, MA¹, Zuri Barniv, DDS², and Christine Miller, RDH, MA¹. (1) School of Dentistry, University of the Pacific, 2155 Webster Street, San Francisco, CA 94115, 415-929-6590, jkirk@sf.uop.edu, (2) School of Dentistry, Union City Dental Care Center, University of the Pacific, 1203 J Street, Union City, CA 94587

Access to dental care is a significant problem in California. The current ratio of dentists to patients is 1:1700 and is expected to grow over the next 10 years. Access to care barriers include lack of insurance, poorly funded insurance, cultural and linguistic differences, and the existence of many “closed” practices. Over the past 12 years, the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry has developed many programs that help meet this need. In 1990, we had eight such programs. Now, we have 25 established programs and 10 planned programs to increase access to care. Our programs target many diverse groups including the disabled, the working poor, those on state funded assistance, those whose primary language is other than English, the medically compromised, children, the elderly, and people in recovery. Treatment has been provided in many locations including the dental school clinics, extramural sites in neighboring counties, schools, private practices, and hospitals. Since 1990, the total number of patients treated under these programs has grown from approximately 6,400 to 10,965 (71% growth increase). Planned programs increase this total to over 14,895 patients (133% growth increase). The number of patients receiving other outreach services, including disease prevention education, has increased from approximately 1,973 to 2,316 (17% growth increase). Our goal is to find a balance between supporting our clinic mission, expanding service to our communities, providing a broad spectrum of student experiences, and maintaining fiscal responsibility. The nation's dental schools are a vital component of the safety net for the underserved.

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding methods for increasing access to care
• Understanding options for partnering between communities and dental schools

Keywords: Access to Care, Oral Health Needs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.