Participants should be aware of the following financial/non-financial relationships: . Shawnda M. Schroeder, PhD, MA: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.
Abstract: Objective: Several disparate populations do not regularly visit the dentist and experience adverse outcomes. However, they are likely to interact with primary or public health providers. These professionals may not be well-trained in dental screening/referral practices. In response, we developed an Oral Health in Primary Care TeleECHO™ Clinic to teach oral health screening, case management, varnish application, and billing for services in non-dental settings.
Methods: The TeleECHO™ model includes connecting healthcare professionals in a virtual meeting to listen to a lecture and then review a patient case. The topics, schedule, and case presentations were provided by the advisory team which included dental professionals, the state department of health and Medicaid office, pediatric and family medicine providers, and a healthcare quality coordinator. Between March and August, 2021 we hosted eleven, one-hour, TeleECHO™ clinics. Every clinic carried free continuing education (CE) for primary and dental health care professionals. Free CE continues to be available for the recordings.
Results: Roughly 140 individuals attended the events live. As of August, 2021, 138 providers viewed the recordings. Evaluation results indicate a majority believed the information presented would lead to personal and professional change in clinical practice. Recent data will be presented along with detailed evaluation results.
Conclusions: TeleECHO™ clinics are an excellent evidence-based practice for knowledge translation. These trainings increase provider competence, and in return, oral health. Future ECHOs will look to train dental professionals on their role in patient health (including diabetes management, blood pressure screening, and mental health and substance use disorder referrals).
Source of Funding: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
