Assistant Professor UT Health San Antonio UT Health San Antonio, School of Dentistry
Disclosure(s):
David Tepel, DMD: No financial relationships to disclose
Abstract: [OBJECTIVE] The New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Oral Health Program launched a pilot with school nurses to help strengthen dental care utilization among high-need children. School nurses were alerted to cases requiring follow up for urgent dental care, and they conducted targeted outreach to parents.
[METHODS] In the 2023-2024 school year, 2,793 children examined by a large school-based dental provider were referred with urgent dental needs, but a follow-up visit could not be confirmed among 1,363 (49%). These cases were uploaded into the NYC Public Schools EMR system, and an alert was created to inform nurses of needed urgent dental follow-up, if they opened a child’s record. Nurse’s case notes were assessed to determine what follow-up took place and if a dental visit could be confirmed.
[RESULTS] 31 cases among 443 viewed (7%) had notes recorded by nurses. 25 caregivers were re-sent a dental follow-up form and a list of local low-cost dental providers; the need for a dental visit was reinforced with the caregiver via phone, email, or in person for 24 (77%) cases. Challenges with insurance and appointment scheduling was noted in 13% of cases.
[CONCLUSIONS] School nurses can be an agent in bridging utilization of dental care gaps by advocating for care for children with urgent dental needs and promoting oral health literacy among parents. This pilot indicates the need for further training among nurses in case management and follow up. Additional data is expected as the collaboration with nurses continues.
