Community Outreach Coordinator Marshall University
Disclosure(s):
Ella Thaxton, RDH, MS: No financial relationships to disclose
Description: The objective of this project was to provide older adults with education, oral health products, and select interventions to improve their overall health by addressing oral health disparities and inequities. To do so, the Marshall University Oral Health Team partnered with congregate meal sites in 11 counties reaching approximately 3,400 seniors. Educational materials and oral health products were distributed monthly to seniors either in-person or via in-home meal delivery. The distribution of educational materials was paired with electronic oral health messages centers published monthly via social media platforms. The final month of the campaign included an in-person presentation and demonstration on oral cancer, distribution of self-guided cancer screening kits, and an evaluation component. During the in-person event, seniors were invited to complete a survey with questions ranging from previous dental care to outstanding dental needs. An evaluation was also distributed to the center directors to measure the increase of oral health literacy among staff and seniors. One hundred and seventeen surveys were completed by the target population. Results indicated the majority of seniors did not have dental insurance but that they did report having a dental home. Almost seventy percent of participants reported that they would be very likely to see a dentist regularly if Medicare had a dental component. The majority of the senior population expressed great interest in maintaining their dental care as many have chronic health conditions which impact their oral health. In addition, findings underscore the demand for dental care is present in the older population.
Source of Funding:: Pallottine Foundation of Buckhannan Pallottine Foundation of Huntington
