Other
AJ Buban, DDS
Resident
Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, United States
Kojo Danso, DDS
Denver Health Medical Center
Scott Hamilton, DDS
Pediatric Dentist
Denver Health Medical Center
Denver, Colorado, United States
Christine Krentz, MD
University of Colorado
Jessica Jack, MD
Denver Health Medical Center
Scott Hamilton, DDS
Pediatric Dentist
Denver Health Medical Center
Denver, Colorado, United States
Kim Hammersmith, DDS, MPH, MS
Program Director
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio, United States
Purpose: Children older than 9 years old typically see the dentist more often than their primary care providers. This highlights an opportunity for dentistry and medicine to collaborate to identify and vaccinate adolescents who are overdue for immunizations during dental visits and provide immunizations.
Methods: The project was conducted at a large Federally Qualified Healthcare Center with three pilot dental clinics that were co-located within medical clinics. Daily reports identified patients aged 9-17 who were overdue for vaccinations. PDSA cycles were performed which included provider training and vaccine reminders that were added to the electronic medical record. Patients who were identified as overdue for vaccines were offered same-day vaccines or were given the opportunity to schedule a follow-up visit with their medical clinic. Chart review was conducted to determine if vaccines were administered the same day or within 30-days of the dental visit. Data analysis was performed via qualitative analysis.
Results: During the 6-month period, 5% (N=119) of all patients vaccinated were due to medical-dental integration (MDI). Montbello Clinic was particularly successful, with 14% of patients vaccinated in the 6-month period being due to MDI. Same-day vaccine administration efficacy was 12% overall and 19% at the Montbello Clinic.
Conclusions: Patients were receptive to discussing and receiving vaccinations during dental visits. Limitations were dental and medical staff shortages that led to an inability to coordinate same-day vaccinations. This highlights the benefits of MDI and that dentists can play an influential role in pediatric disease prevention by actively participating in vaccination.