Oral Health Initiatives through Mountain Health Alliance
The Mountain Health Alliance (MHA)
) is a tri-state Network dedicated to advancing a culture of health through
collaboration and community engagement. MHA focuses on assisting low income adults in finding the oral health care they need and educating local providers on the benefits of integrating oral health screenings into the primary care setting. MHA has established an ED referral/deferral program with two area hospitals, through which patients seeking dental assistance in the ED are asked to sign a release form allowing the hospital to send their patient contact information to MHA's Community Health Workers for follow-up. In addition to the ED program, MHA also receives referrals for dental care from the Federally Qualified Health Centers in its area, and through a variety of other sources.
Oral Health Outcomes:
Assisted with five Mission of Mercy free dental clinics, serving 3,294 low income adults with a total value of care of $2,517,846
Facilitated the first Mission of Mercy free denture clinic, providing 16 individuals with full sets of dentures
Created a tri-state safety net of dentists accepting the public health rate of $150 an hour, reducing the regular rate by almost 80%.
Employed a Community Health Worker to reach undeserved populations and increase understanding of health issues, particularly oral health
Purchased a total of $194,000 in dental equipment for placement in partner health departments and Federally Qualified Health Centers throughout the MHA region
Provided three custom dentures through Hamilton & Staggs Denture Program at a value of $4,728.50 but only billed $750.00, for a donation rate at $3,978.50 (84% donated rate)
Assisted with legislation for a study of emergency room usage for dental patients and an adult Medicaid dental benefit
Noted for best practices in the state and nation
Grant Funds Expended
Value of Oral Health Services Provided
Return on Investment
Average Donation Rate from Dental Providers
$1,051,674
$4,197,888
400%
77%
MHA serves as an ongoing vehicle for the coordination of Network partners in assessing, prioritizing, and addressing the Region's needs related to health disparities and workforce development. These activities increase efficiencies and strengthen the region's safety net by targeting and addressing gaps in health care reform. To learn more about MHA and its initiatives please contact
Katie Salesky.
Made possible by Mountain Health Alliance, a program of the Maryland Area Health Education Center West,via grant #D06RH27794 from the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy.
