Mid Level Dental Healthcare Providers : Who Are They And What Are Their Roles?

Oral health has a direct impact on the general health, hence, it is important that all Canadians have adequate access to dental care services. Over the years successive Governments have reduced financial support to programs delivering dental care to most vulnerable populations. As a result, many low income families and other vulnerable groups have been unable to access dental care. There is further escalation in the disparities in oral health care among Canadians, as the number of Canadians losing dental care benefits continues to increase. Also, higher oral health care costs can be expected in the near future due to shortage of health care professionals.

The problem in accessing dental care for low-income community is complex and cannot be determined simply. Lack of utilisation is as a result of lack of demands for dental health (Al Agili, Bronstein & Greene-McIntyre 2005). Demand also depends on the economic condition that supports the patients. At the individual level it has been known for years that financial reason is an essential barrier for not able to visit a dentist (Wallet et al. 2014). However, in this case, the Government try to assist low-income people by reducing financial barrier through the benefit offering by CDBS. Even though the scheme has not maximally encouraged those are eligible for the scheme. In addition to the financial barrier, perceived need is one of the reasons

As the number of older Americans continue to rise, along with dental practitioners who are entering retirement, it would benefit this under-served population for the dental profession to develop new models of mid- level care. To expand training as well as additional licensing for dental hygienists, along with more training for other health care professionals would be a great beginning towards improved access to care (Overview of oral health,

In Dr. Parson’s presentation, I learned that there are still many seniors with out dental insurance. This is sad because the population by 2030 is going to double and more will eventually need treatment done by a dentist. According to her presentation oral care is not a concern to the nursing home staff. Some families show up to brush their family members teeth. With the limited financial resources for dental care these patients have it is one of their barriers to getting treatment done if needed or even cleaning. Therefore, we as dental hygienist can help make a difference by going out to the community and offering dental care education to the nursing staff because they must first know how to take care of their oral health before taking care

While most of the patients I interacted with were seeking non-dental care, I met patients who were seeking care to health conditions that stem from their oral health such as oral abscesses, which our team was unable to treat except for prescribing antibiotics or painkillers. I encountered similar situations when I shadowed physicians in the emergency room of hospitals, observing a variety of craniofacial disorders originating from a preventable tooth decay. From these observations, I learned that patients often did not receive treatment that addressed the root of their problems: their oral health. As the result, I learned that many physicians saw the same patient repeatedly for problems that would otherwise be easily prevented through proper preventive dental care. Determining to address the unmet needs for accessible preventive dental care, I decided to pursue a career in dentistry so that I can provide a positive and meaningful impact to the underserved community on their oral health and ultimately their overall

Many low income areas have dental therapists as part of their local dental team. Many people in these areas have never been to a dentist or do not go every six months as recommended this poses many other health problems. There has been case studies and data showing that in these areas dental health

Mid-level providers are groups of people who work in dentistry and can include hygienists, therapists, and even assistants. Mid-level providers are slightly different compared to hygienists, therapists, and assistants because they are able to do almost everything a dentist can do and it is still considered within their scope of practice, while the other groups mentioned are much more limited. They are required to at least have a bachelor’s degree, but some go on to get their master’s degree.1 The purpose of this position is to be able to reach more communities and increase access to care to those who are not necessarily able to get to the dentist. They are also supposed to be able to reduce costs and make it easier for more people to be able

This proves that the lack of dental insurance within these low-income households plays a key role in whether or not these children will receive dental care. When these children do not visit the dentist, they increase their chances of developing dental caries significantly. The British Dental Journal disclosed that, “Sugars consumption varies by social class. National food surveys reveal a higher consumption of sugar and sugar-containing foods and drinks amongst low income groups”(Watt 8). Healthy food is expensive; therefore lower class families resort to unhealthy food because it is significantly cheaper. This extensive consumption of sugar-ridden foods is extremely detrimental to the enamel. The British Dental Journal also declared that “oral inequalities will only be reduced through the implementation of effective and appropriate oral health promotion policy”(Watt 6). The dental program will make the inequalities in dental care known and work to reduce those inequalities. Dental health is often times overseen because it is typically expensive and people are unaware of how the condition of their teeth affects the condition of the rest of their body. The all-inclusive dental health program will give people the treatment they need, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Beneficiaries are not the only ones bearing the costs of emergency dental services. The PEW Center on the States (2012), reported “the average cost of a Medicaid enrollee’s inpatient hospital treatment for dental problems is nearly 10 times more expensive than the cost of preventive care delivered in a dentist’s office.” Emergency departments are costly places for dental treatment and are significantly more expensive than a general practice dental visit (Wall, Nasseh, & Vujicic, 2014). Additionally, emergency department personnel are usually inadequately trained to diagnose and treat dental conditions (Cohen, 2013). Consequently, oral health issues often persist and Medicaid ends up covering the cost of advanced disease. Though limited budgets compel states to modify Medicaid coverage of adult dental benefits, covering preventative oral care would provide financial benefits for both beneficiaries and states. Routine oral exams are more economically feasible than emergency services that do not address the root of oral problems.

Unlike the previous studies mentioned here, this study by Decker & Lipton (2015) looked more on adults who are covered by the Medicaid. Two key findings were revealed in this study—first of all, an increase of the likelihood of dental care visit is evidenced by those who have Medicaid coverage and second, there is also a reduction of the likelihood of untreated dental caries. It is also concluded that Medicaid is essential in promoting dental care and that it is strongly suggested that it should be expanded to further benefit a wider population of

accept Medicaid and this might result in higher utilization in particular wards over others. We did not have information about parental marital status and other private insurance, which could be used for dental services and not reflect in Medicaid billing data. Also, there could be a potential bias due to delayed reporting of the data which might not be included in the dataset when we received it. Also, Centre for Medicaid Services (CMS) uses the information from these datasets and presents it by financial year whereas this analysis was done by calendar year, which may not match with the generally available information. Also, the composition of Medicaid population might not be a true representation of over-all population. People having private dental insurance might have a different utilization pattern for assigned dental home and preventive dental services. We also feel that the information of ward might not be an accurate representation of utilization since people may seek services from a provider in different wards than the one in which they reside. Having data about unique providers, along with unique patient might make a robust database to get more accurate information. Last but not the least, we restricted our definition preventive dental services to a combination of examination and fluoride application, which is not the same as followed by

While the private sector provides excellent quality of oral health care for its patients, many vulnerable groups have difficulty with access.2 It is also these vulnerable groups who demonstrate extremely high levels of oral health disease. According to a 2014 report issued by the Canadian Academy of Health Services (CAHS), the following represent Canada’s most vulnerable groups: individuals with low incomes; younger age children living in low-income families; individuals working without dental insurance; elderly populations with low incomes and/or living in institutions; aboriginal people, immigrants/refugees; people with disabilities; and, populations living in rural/remote communities.2 The CAHS authors report that increasingly and in light of challenging economic times, families from lower-middle income strata are also demonstrating difficulty with accessing oral health care (this is partially attributable to an increasing tendency toward part-time employment rather than full-time employment with benefits).

Therefore, booking a patient in a private dental office happens sooner. Thus, with more prompt service the dental office provides much better quality of care. Dr. Drexler shares, “It is inconvenient to have the poor quality technology. A number of patients lose wages and time from work to see the dentist. In fact, a patient is willing to pay the higher fee rate for same day service” (Wexler). With this in mind, the distinction is remarkable; the author finds Universal Care most appealing. All in all, the public deserves the same level of care, no matter their circumstances. In either case, Dr. Wexler agrees “the HCO is high-quality healthcare but in society, we are at the bottom of effectiveness in providing effective healthcare to all”

Dental public health programs in the United States operate on federal, state, or local levels. The roles and responsibilities of these programs are directly related to the level of which the program operates. Both similarities and differences can be seen when comparing dental public health programs with regard to organization, financing and delivery of care. Despite differences in the levels in which different dental public health programs operate, all of the programs share a common, generalized goal of improving the oral health status of the public.

In “Where are All the Dentists?” Kristin Lewis informs the reader about many people who aren't getting the dental care they need, and the organizations who are trying to change it. People who live in dental desserts don't have access to a dentist. Similarly, there are other people who can't afford to go to the dentist, because the cost to go is too high. Not having proper dental care can lead to many health issues later in life, so it's better to go to the dentist now. However, to fix this, people are starting to make mobile clinics where dentists will treat patients. These clinics will travel to dental deserts in order to help the people there for a lowered price, or even no cost at all! The hope is, that doing this will eventually help everyone