Professor, Clinical Chief URMC, New York, United States
Abstract:
Objective: The Eastman Institute for Oral Health (EIOH) school-based program provides comprehensive dental care to school children in Rochester, NY. The aim of this study was to provide a cost analysis of three models of care in the school-based program including trailer-type mobile unit, drivable mobile unit and a fixed dental clinic. It is imperative to understand which model of care is the most cost-efficient model.
Method: In this study we looked at the operating costs of the clinics and the children served over a one-year period. The data for the operating costs were obtained from the financial reports. The operating costs of each of the different modes of service delivery and the outcomes were compared to help understand the most efficient model in terms of cost. The total operating cost, revenue and cost per visit were calculated based on the total revenue generated and total visits.
Result: The fixed school based dental clinic offered the highest cost advantage in comparison to the other models of care. Both revenue and cost per visit were highest for the trailer-type mobile van. The fixed dental clinic was operating at a marginal profit and the trailer-type at a loss.
Conclusion: This evaluation highlights the usefulness of having a school-based dental clinic within the school premises as a model of service delivery that is financially viable. Efforts are needed to develop strategies to meet the operating cost for the school-based program to continue rendering comprehensive dental services to children in Rochester, NY.
