Improving Access to Dental Services for Supported Residential Services Residents

Abstract

Aim: To increase and improve access to oral health services for residents of Supported Residential Services (SRS), through the use of functioning programs and an outreach model to residents. Material/Methods: The outreach model involves dental staff going to residential facilities to promote better oral health for residents. This includes the screening and referral for treatment for residents and individual and group information and education sessions to residents, staff and proprietors. A collaborative partnership exists with the medical and allied health access workers which assists with transport to and from treatment. This initiative seeks to address many barriers with this client group, particularly the difficulty for residents to travel to services, and it is hoped that through the project, there will be an increase in the use of dental services and more serious long-term problems will be alleviated. Results: In 2011/2012 92% of SRS residents screened required treatment compared to 45% requiring treatment in 2012/2013. A decline in the number of residents requiring treatment demonstrates the effectiveness of this initiative and the overall goal of decreasing long term problems. For the 2013/2014 financial year it was planned that 255 residents would be screened and/or provided with oral health education, 352 residents received the outreach service. Conclusions: The service model is successful in ensuring access of SRS residents to previously unattended dental care and education, which in turn improves the oral health of residents and decreases the need for emergency care and reduce the burden on the health system.