June 2024 Delta Dental Minute, Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation, Lanier, Bodenner

Summary

Delta Dental of Arkansas, through its foundation, partners with UAMS to provide essential dental care to underserved communities. With a focus on improving oral health in a state with historically poor outcomes, the foundation funds dental clinics and education programs. UAMS, benefiting from grants, offers affordable dental services through its residency and hygiene clinics, providing care to individuals without access to traditional dental facilities. The 12th Street Clinic further supports emergency dental care, helping those in critical need. These initiatives aim to create lasting dental health solutions for Arkansas residents.

Takeaways

• 😀 Delta Dental of Arkansas focuses on community health and provides grants to support underserved populations.
• 😀 The Delta Dental Foundation partners with charitable clinics and organizations to enhance dental care access.
• 😀 Arkansas faces significant oral health challenges, with many residents suffering from dental issues.
• 😀 UAMS (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences) has benefited from Delta Dental grants, helping establish clinics and residency programs.
• 😀 The oral health clinic at UAMS offers services at reduced fees, ensuring patients have a dental home.
• 😀 The dental hygiene clinic at UAMS caters to retirees and individuals without insurance, offering discounted services.
• 😀 The 12th Street wellness clinic provides urgent care and has a high demand, with many patients needing extractions.
• 😀 Community awareness is vital to inform people about the dental services available at UAMS.
• 😀 The transcript highlights the importance of providing comprehensive dental care to underserved communities.
• 😀 Individuals seeking dental care can find more information and apply for services through the UAMS website.

Q & A

What is the primary mission of the Delta Dental Foundation of Arkansas?

The primary mission is to focus on community service by partnering with charitable dental clinics and organizations to provide dental treatment, disease prevention, and education to underserved populations.

How does Delta Dental support the UAMS clinic?

Delta Dental provides grants that have helped establish the UAMS clinic, fund a residency program, and support the 12th Street Grant, which serves the underserved population.

Why is oral health a significant concern in Arkansas?

Arkansas has some of the lowest oral health outcomes in the country, with a significant population suffering from dental issues such as decayed teeth and abscesses.

What types of services does the UAMS oral health clinic provide?

The UAMS oral health clinic offers services at a lower fee schedule, ensuring that patients who lack access to care can receive necessary dental treatment.

What kind of patients does the residency program at UAMS serve?

The residency program serves multiple populations, including the underserved, allowing residents to gain experience in diverse dental care settings.

What is the role of the dental hygiene clinic at UAMS?

The dental hygiene clinic provides discounted cleanings and exams, particularly aimed at retired individuals or those without insurance, helping them establish a dental home.

How does the 12th Street wellness clinic assist the community?

The 12th Street wellness clinic offers emergency dental care, including extractions, to a population that often faces challenges in accessing timely medical and dental services.

What are some common misconceptions about accessing dental care at UAMS?

Many people may believe that accessing care is difficult or complicated, but the process is straightforward and aims to provide affordable options to those in need.

How can individuals find out more about the dental services available through Delta Dental?

Individuals can visit the Delta Dental website or the clinics for more information about available services and how to apply for grants or access care.

What is the importance of having a 'dental home' for patients?

Having a 'dental home' is crucial for patients as it ensures they receive consistent and comprehensive dental care, which can improve their overall health outcomes.