Greta A. Nelson, n/a: No financial relationships to disclose
Description: Treating the oral health needs of the underserved adult population in rural West Virginia requires a culturally competent oral health team. The dental providers staffing West Virginia Health Right’s Mobile Dental Unit (MDU) work to provide sustainable oral health care to communities with critical oral-health needs. The MDU has been in existence for five years and partners with a broad array of community-based organizations in a five-county catchment area. The program emphasizes treatment for underserved adults who lack access to dental care because of financial, mobility, mental health, or other limitations, with the aim of improving the quality of life, health, and well-being of these individuals. Services offered include comprehensive dental care along with screening for chronic diseases including substance use disorders. In 2021, a total of 3,257 procedures were completed by dental providers staffing the MDU. Of these the most frequently needed services were extractions (782), exams (780), restorations (682), and prophylaxis (449). In total over $4 million in free care has been provided over five years. Results indicated the majority of adults were without a dental home and chose the MDU. Our conclusion is that oral health disparities in West Virginia are at a crisis level, affecting those that have the least access to care. Given this and the newly passed Medicaid adult dental benefit, the increasing number of dental health professional shortage areas, and West Virginia’s rurality, the needs fulfilled by the MDU are vital in serving the under and non-insured adult population.
Source of Funding:: Source of Funding: The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, McDonough Foundation, Logan Healthcare Foundation, Delta Dental, United Way, Parkersburg Area Community Foundation
