More than 250 ProHealth Medical Group clinic patients have been screened for dental concerns in a unique partnership with Community Smiles Dental. The screenings provide an opportunity for patients to ask questions about their dental health and learn about local resources. They also can receive a fluoride treatment, if recommended. The screenings take just a few minutes to complete but can have a big impact.
 
Of the patients screened, more than 85% qualified for Community Smiles Dental services and 80% had Medicaid coverage. About 10% were uninsured. More than 70% were new clinic patients.
 
The screening program began in 2022 as a joint effort between ProHealth Care and Community Smiles Dental to help improve the dental health of children, pregnant women and other community members. About 35% of those screened were under age 3, 45% were ages 4 to 12, and over 10% were ages 13 to 18. A small percentage were adults.
 
Patients are screened during visits for well-child and medical care. A Community Smiles dental hygienist who speaks Spanish and English is at the clinic weekly to provide the screenings and resources. The hygienist also can apply recommended fluoride treatments.
 
“Dental health is an important aspect of overall health,” said Heather Johnson, director of medical group operations for ProHealth. “Screening helps provide additional wellness services, especially for patients who have never visited a dentist.”
 
ProHealth is a longtime supporter of the dental clinic, which helps improve the lives of the underserved through oral health services, prevention education and patient advocacy.