Implementation

What steps would need to be taken to assure that the intervention could be delivered in a high quality way?

 

1. Community Water Fluoridation (CWF):

Water Fluoridation is largely a policy issue, however some research shows that successful implementation depends on its overall effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, collaboration, and objectives.

 Effectiveness

  • Using Healthy People 2020, compare percent of population severed by public water systems with optimally fluoridated water

Efficiency

  • Compare average state cost for fluoridation (cost per person per year) to national estimates

Demonstrated Sustainability

  • Annually monitor number of water systems that are fluoridated

Collaboration

  • Successful partnerships with professional organizations, grant writers/policy administrators, health departments, water authorities, and dental hygiene programs

Efficiency

  • Evaluate using the Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health’s recommendation for water fluoridation

Additional Information: http://www.astdd.org/use-of-fluoride-community-water-fluoridation/#5

 

2. Coordinated School Health Programs:

The success and implementation of school-based programs depend on multiple factors:

  • Conduct a needs assessment, which includes accurately defining the population in order to capture all eligible students –  not just those who are most at risk
  • Program Design:
    • Professionally licensed dentist, hygienist, and dental-assistant (form partnerships with community dentists and orthodontists)
    • Resource considerations and availability of equipment (i.e. X-Ray)
    • Determining outcomes measures to track success of school-based intervention
    • Establishing a referral network for patients who need additional care
    • Parental education, involvement and support
  • Partnerships with parents , school administrators, community dental practices, and the city public health department are critical!

 

3. Additional Programs:

  • It is important for interventionists to address barriers to accessing dental services, including:

    • Lack of awareness of seriousness of oral health

    • Lack of or insufficient dental insurance

    • Lack of transportation

    • Uncompensated time from work

    • Limited income

    • Low community-to-private provider ratio

    • Dentist non-participation with Medicaid/CHIP

    • Low Medicaid program reimbursement rates for dental services

  • Continuously provide education and awareness