Mobile Dentistry
Benefits of Mobile/Portable Dentistry
MHS and other mobile dental providers in the state of Mississippi are regulated by the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners. Just like any dental clinic, we take all measures to be safe and in compliance with all State regulations. As we will outline in more detail later, the Federal Trade Commission views a "mobile" dental clinic the same as a "brick and mortar" dental clinic within the market. With that being said, this means a state regulatory board such as the MSBDE can't place burdens on a "mobile" clinic that they wouldn't place on any other clinic in the state. So below, we will outline and detail some things about mobile/portable dentistry that many, including other dentists, may not know.
So let's get back on topic of benefits of mobile/portable dentistry. School-based sealant dental programs offer significant benefits for children, particularly those from underserved communities. These programs provide preventive dental care by applying dental sealants—thin, protective coatings on the chewing surfaces of molars—to reduce the risk of cavities. Here are some of the key benefits:1. Prevention of Tooth Decay
6. Promotes Long-Term Oral Health Habits
School-based sealant programs are an effective, affordable, and accessible way to improve children’s oral health and overall well-being. By preventing cavities, reducing health disparities, and promoting better academic outcomes, these programs play a crucial role in public health efforts. Expanding these initiatives can lead to long-term benefits for children, families, and communities.
So let's get back on topic of benefits of mobile/portable dentistry. School-based sealant dental programs offer significant benefits for children, particularly those from underserved communities. These programs provide preventive dental care by applying dental sealants—thin, protective coatings on the chewing surfaces of molars—to reduce the risk of cavities. Here are some of the key benefits:1. Prevention of Tooth Decay
- Dental sealants act as a barrier against bacteria and food particles, significantly reducing cavities in children’s molars, where decay is most common.
- According to the CDC, sealants can prevent 80% of cavities for two years and continue to protect against 50% of cavities for up to four years.
- School-based programs help bridge the gap for children who lack access to regular dental care due to financial or geographical barriers.
- These programs often target low-income and minority populations, who are more likely to experience untreated tooth decay.
- Treating cavities is more expensive than preventing them. Sealants save money by reducing the need for fillings, crowns, and other restorative procedures.
- By lowering the incidence of cavities, these programs decrease the burden on families and public health systems.
- Bringing dental care into schools eliminates the need for parents to take time off work and ensures children receive treatment without missing school.
- Mobile dental clinics or in-school dental professionals make it easier for students to receive care in a familiar environment.
- Untreated dental issues can cause pain and discomfort, leading to difficulty concentrating and missed school days.
- By preventing dental problems, sealant programs contribute to better attendance and academic performance.
6. Promotes Long-Term Oral Health Habits
- Educating children about dental hygiene as part of the program encourages lifelong healthy habits.
- Programs may also provide additional preventive services like fluoride treatments and oral health education.
School-based sealant programs are an effective, affordable, and accessible way to improve children’s oral health and overall well-being. By preventing cavities, reducing health disparities, and promoting better academic outcomes, these programs play a crucial role in public health efforts. Expanding these initiatives can lead to long-term benefits for children, families, and communities.
ADA (American Dental Association) Stance on School-Based Mobile Dentistry
The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes the importance of school-based oral health programs in preventing and controlling dental caries among children and adolescents. The ADA supports federal legislation that expands the use of mobile dental units to serve underserved communities. In a 2021 letter, ADA President Daniel J. Klemmedson, D.D.S., M.D., and Executive Director Kathleen T. O’Loughlin, D.M.D., expressed support for the Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment for Health Care Act, which aims to enhance the capabilities of community health centers, including the use of mobile dental clinics. They emphasized that while mobile units are crucial for access to care, it is essential for patients to have a permanent dental home, and mobile services should include processes to refer patients for ongoing care.
Additionally, the ADA has highlighted the role of teledentistry, a subset of telemedicine, in managing dental consultations, remote supervision, dental hygiene, and emergencies. Teledentistry encompasses synchronous and asynchronous care, remote patient monitoring, and mobile health, offering the ability to provide one-on-one patient education without patients leaving their home or school.
The ADA’s support for school-based dental care aligns with its mission to improve oral health and access to care, particularly for underserved populations.
Additionally, the ADA has highlighted the role of teledentistry, a subset of telemedicine, in managing dental consultations, remote supervision, dental hygiene, and emergencies. Teledentistry encompasses synchronous and asynchronous care, remote patient monitoring, and mobile health, offering the ability to provide one-on-one patient education without patients leaving their home or school.
The ADA’s support for school-based dental care aligns with its mission to improve oral health and access to care, particularly for underserved populations.
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