Dental News - NDA’s HEALTH NOW project aims to serve the underserved

Dental Tribune USA

Mon. 16 March 2015

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Established in 1913, the National Dental Association (NDA) promotes oral health equity among people of color by harnessing the collective power of its members, advocating for the needs of and mentoring dental students of color, and raising the profile of the profession in our communities. It views “access” as a matter of social justice.

As both caregivers and citizens of the communities that they serve, the NDA’s members are trusted and respected providers who have been at the forefront of treating those who have the least and need the most.

Dental care is medically necessary, yet millions of Americans lack access to care. Despite advances in health care and technology, glaring disparities still exist in some population groups as classified by age, sex, income and race/ethnicity. To address these inequities, the NDA-HEALTH NOW project (Health Equity. Access. Literacy. Technology. Hope. National Outreach on Wheels.) was formed.

The project’s goals are to increase access, eliminate disparities and improve health equity in underserved and vulnerable populations. A grassroots, community-based program, NDA-HEALTH NOW replicates and takes to scale key features of the Deamonte Driver Dental Project (DDDP), the award-winning regional children’s program launched in 2008 for Prince Georges County, Md. It serves children, adults and the elderly. In addition to dental care, it offers medical and vision services. The project promotes inter-professional health teams working with emerging workforce models to increase access and improve “Total Health” in America’s most vulnerable communities.

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Community programs are designed for use either with or without a mobile unit. Increasing awareness about the critical link between oral health and overall health is a key message.

A mixed-use mobile health unit (MHU) designed by ADI-Mobile Health is touring the country to raise funds and crusade for healthier communities. It is specially equipped to provide each patient with dental screenings and treatment and, additionally, with health screenings (blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol), immunizations and flu shots, and vision screenings.

The unit, design and exhibition at various conferences were made possible through the generous donations of ADI-Mobile Health, Henry Schein and the Greater New York Dental Meeting. Other sponsors and supporters include The W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation, the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, Colgate, A-dec, Philips Sonicare, Air Techniques, the Aetna Foundation, the Links Foundation, Crest-Oral B, Patterson Dental, Oral Health America and Sunstar.

Resources are also provided by academic partners and a massive volunteer network of NDA members and community organizations. Programs are currently active in targeted communities in Chicago, Dallas, New York and New Orleans. Funds are being raised to operate and staff the MHUs to provide resources and services to underserved communities.

“We have launched a crusade for healthier communities that challenges the status quo,” said NDA President Dr. Carrie Brown. “We will meet those in need where they are and support our providers, who have made a commitment to remain in communities where they are most needed. While we acknowledge and support health outreach efforts around the globe, we must remain firmly rooted in our conviction that humanitarianism starts at home.”

More information about National Dental Association’s HEALTH NOW project and information about making a donation is available at www.ndaonline.org/healthnow.

(Source: National Dental Association)

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