46 - Evidence-based Referral Systems for Medical and Dental Collaboration

Abstract:

Objective: Interprofessional collaboration in healthcare has a noticeable impact on patient health outcomes promoting a team based approach on health and ultimately reducing healthcare costs. Well implemented referral systems from medical to dental and vice versa can be an essential step in accomplishing interprofessional practice. The purpose of this study is to identify well established referral systems to implement in a community health center in Dallas, Texas.

Methods: Online engines and resources including PubMed, ADA, National Academy of Medicine, Google Scholar and NIH were searched using the terms of referral, integration, medical to dental, FQHC, communication, protocol, community clinic, monitoring and evaluation, and organizational partnership. Inclusion criteria comprised of FQHC, US, medical to dental integration and exclusion criteria international systems. All referral systems were documented and described.

Results: Three referral initiatives were identified, the Oral Health Delivery Framework and Implementation guide, the Dental Quest Institute’s Medical-Oral Expanded Care (MORE Care) and the Integration of Oral Health and Primary Care Practice (IOHPCP). Common themes amongst all included shared EHRs, good structure, strong partnerships and patient screening by allied health professionals prior to the main visit to recognize need for referral. A limitation noted is the necessity to adjust each of the three to the community served.

Conclusions: Medical dental collaboration is key as oral health is connected to overall health and vise versa. It is essential for all health organizations to establish well-structured referral systems in order to promote interprofessional practice and improve the public’s health.

Source of Funding: None