Evaluation of a Comprehensive Oral Health Services Program in School-Based Health Centers

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Health Services Research

Background:

• A 4-year grant initiative aimed to enhance oral health service access for children in high-need communities via school-based health centers (SBHCs).
• Initial assessments revealed a significant need for dental care, with approximately 45% of enrolled students presenting with dental caries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy, integration, and sustainability of a grant-funded program designed to improve children's oral health.
• To assess the impact of school-based oral health services on service utilization and health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of program process and outcomes data from interim and final reports.
• Qualitative data collection through phone interviews with key informants, analyzed using NVivo software.
• Statistical analysis, including analytically weighted linear regression, to determine the significance of changes in service provision.

Main Results:

• Student enrollment in oral health services increased from 5,000 to over 9,700.
• The percentage of students receiving preventive oral health services rose from 58% to 88%.
• Statistically significant increases were observed in the proportion of enrollees receiving teeth cleanings and comprehensive preventive services.

Conclusions:

• School-based health centers are an effective model for expanding comprehensive oral health care access to children.
• Program sustainability was achieved through enhanced billing and insurance claim processes, alongside continued provision of free/reduced-cost services.
• Lessons learned from this initiative can inform federal programs like the State Title V Block Grant for improving school-based healthcare delivery.