Oral Health Equity Project
An Effective Practice
Description
The Oral Health Equity Project (OHEP) provides free oral health screening for low income Boston elders. The project also offers low-cost follow-up appointments and treatment, and raises awareness about oral cancer prevention, denture care, smoking, nutrition, and overall oral hygiene. Local dental schools have shown a commitment to the program by making additional staff, fourth year dental students, and first year students available for the oral health screenings. The program is mutually beneficial, as students gain practical experience in community based settings and low-income elders get improved dental care.
Goal / Mission
The mission of the Oral Health Equity Project (OHEP) is to increase access to preventative services and dental care for economically disadvantaged elders living in Boston's public housing. The specific goal of the three-year project is to provide oral health screening to 1000 low-income elders.
Results / Accomplishments
In the first sixteen months of the project, 675 individual screenings were conducted in 42 housing developments, reaching a total of 514 60+ elders and 161 individuals under 60 years of age. Among all individuals screened, OHEP identified 34 cases needing urgent care, 62 cases needing denture repair/reline, and 179 cases needing new dentures. An OHEP canvas bag containing a set of the educational materials (available in seven languages), a toothbrush and toothpaste, and a denture kit was given to each elder.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Boston Public Health Commission
Primary Contact
Meghan Turnier, Program Manager
1010 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02118
(617) 534-5683
MTurnier@bphc.org
http://www.bphc.org/
1010 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02118
(617) 534-5683
MTurnier@bphc.org
http://www.bphc.org/
Topics
Health / Oral Health
Health / Older Adults
Health / Older Adults
Organization(s)
Boston Public Health Commission
Source
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
Date of publication
2005
Date of implementation
2003
Location
Boston, MA
For more details
Target Audience
Older Adults
Additional Audience
Low-Income