Regional Community Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist Advantage Dental from DentaQuest
Disclosure(s):
Ashley Danielson, R.D.H., E.P.P.: Advantage Dental from DentaQuest: Employee (Ongoing)
Description: This statewide project to train dental hygienists to place Interim Therapeutic Restorations is a collaboration between Advantage Dental and the Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU). Teledentistry services are provided at two rural medical clinics on a recurring basis. Teledentistry services include x-rays, periodontal assessment, virtual dental exam and treatment plan, additionally the Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist (EPDH) provides preventative care to patients, including child and adult prophylaxis, full mouth debridement, scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance. Coordination of any further dental care needed is facilitated by the Advantage Dental team. This pilot project has yielded many positive outcomes, including increased utilization by Medicaid patients, additional access points to dental care, reduced health disparities and promoted health equity for community members living in in Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas.
Source of Funding:: Initial funding for this project was provided by the Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization.
