68 - Program Evaluation for Transformational Dental Care

Abstract:

Objective: Program evaluation is a key component to determining if a community health program is successful and has achieved the predetermined goals of the program. In response to oral health care delivery needs identified through evidence-based research, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has implemented a medical-dental integration program and a value-based dental program. The objective of this study is to understand if community oral health programs will be successful long-term by analyzing quantitative and qualitative data at program baseline and after program interventions. The study aim is to identify areas to improve education, implementation, and financial goals related to dental care delivery initiatives.

Methods: Quantitative data will be collected using data from electronic health records (EHR) and claims data from participating medical and dental clinics. Qualitative data will be collected during interviews scheduled with key stakeholders who were part of program planning, program implementation, or received care from the transformational dental care delivery programs.

Results: Descriptive analyses will be used to describe the predetermined oral health implementation areas of the participating clinics using demographic variables and claims data. Qualitative analysis will be used to identify key stake-holders knowledge, beliefs, and experiences with transformational dental care delivery at various stages of program implementation.

Conclusions: Dental care delivery that is focused on patient needs and quality care can help improve oral and systemic health outcomes. Multi-factorial evaluation plans can help assess program effectiveness and long-term sustainability and spread.

Source of Funding: None