Calvert Memorial Hospital - Calvert Community Dental Clinic

Overview

Calvert Community Dental Care (CCDC) was formed in 2009 to provide routine and preventive dental care and dental health education to low-income individuals in Southern Maryland. CCDC partners with Calvert Memorial Hospital (CMH), Calvert County Health Department and other county agencies to reach patients in need of dental care. Services provided include prevention care such as exams, cleaning, fluoride and sealants, basic restorative care and extractions. Community education and outreach programs help to share information on the services, educate the community on the importance of good dental health, and take youth services directly into the local public schools, as well as adult services to local Healthy Ministry Network Churches.

Impact

The clinic is instrumental in helping CMH navigate dental care cases from the emergency department (ED) to the CCDC as they work together to reduce ED misuse and overall cost per capita – while also working to make care convenient, affordable, accessible and compassionate for all patients. Since the clinic opened in 2009, more than 4,500 local residents have received dental services at CCDC. An overall decline in ED visits and revisits has been realized during this time period, and many residents have made it their dental home. Many patients now come back for their six-month cleanings and annual exams.

Lessons Learned

Helping providers to be aware of the services offered at the dental clinic has posed challenges. In response, CMH’s public relations department has created a variety of informational materials to share with practices. These efforts are yielding positive results; the CCDC receives more and more referrals each year from providers. Additionally, CMH has refined a referral process that streamlines the transfer of patients from the hospital’s ED and urgent care centers so they can receive follow-up care at the dental clinic.

Future Goals

CMH plans to mobilize the dental clinic aboard the new Mobile Health Unit, which is outfitted with a dental chair and portable equipment; they also are seeking funding to purchase a mobile dental x-ray machine to defray imaging costs.. CMH also plans to sign on more local schools as they bring the sealant program directly to students in the school-linked dental programs.

Contact: Susan Dohony
Vice President/Chief Quality Officer
Telephone: 410-535-8150
Email: sdohony@cmhlink.org