3 - Using Learning Collaboratives for Quality Improvement for the CA Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment

Abstract:

Objectives: Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among California children. Oral health screenings are an important public health strategy for early detection and establishing dental care. Less than half (46% in 2022-2023) of California school districts report Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) data. Learning collaboratives (LCs) were created to offer training and technical assistance to Local Oral Health Programs (LOHPs) to implement a performance management system to track and improve KOHA screening and reporting.

Methods: Through a partnership between the State Office of Oral Health and California Oral Health Technical Assistance Center, a LC quality improvement curriculum was created. Over 6 months, LC participants met 8 times to learn quality improvement strategies such as process maps, 5 whys, score cards, infographics, and experience peer-to-peer learning. Pre/post surveys measured KOHA reporting and quality improvement confidence and skills.

Results: 25 LOHPs (41%) participated, represented by 37 staff. Pre/post survey results (n=19) showed 47% were new to quality improvement. Participating LOHPs increased their comfort and knowledge of quality improvement, data collection, and reporting. After program completion, 95% saw an increase in KOHA reporting for their county. Over half (68%) had an increase in the number of kindergartners who received a dental screening. Participants enjoyed the opportunity to share challenges, learn from each other, and receive assistance from experts.

Conclusions: Implementing LCs increased LOHPs’ comfort and skills to use a performance management system and quality improvement tools to increase dental screenings and improve KOHA data collection and reporting.

Source of Funding: This presentation was made possible by Proposition 56, the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 under Contract 22-10488.