In-Depth Notes on Dental Care Delivery in the United States

Overview of Dental Care Delivery in the United States

• Involves both private and government entities to provide comprehensive dental care.

Federal Influence on Dental Care

• Various federal agencies play crucial roles in shaping and delivering dental care:
  • Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):
  • Implements national health policies and programs.
  • Strategic Goals include:
    • Strengthening health care.
    • Advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.
    • Ensuring efficiency and accountability of HHS programs.
  • United States Public Health Service (PHS): Focuses on public health initiatives.
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH):
  • Federal government’s medical research institution.
  • Coordinates extensive research across the United States.
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Established in 1906, regulates food safety, medications, and medical devices.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
  • Conducts health surveillance and monitors outbreaks.
  • Oral Health Division emphasizes prevention strategies, including water fluoridation.
  • Indian Health Service (IHS): Provides dental care specifically for Native American populations.
  • Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA):
  • Manages programs like the National Health Service Corps and the Ryan White Act.
  • Involved in improving health care access and quality.
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics: Provides data that impacts dental care delivery.
  • Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):
  • Responsible for dental care for incarcerated individuals and veterans, respectively.

State Influence on Dental Care

• State dental departments play a vital role, working to:
  • Promote dental health within communities.
  • Implement programs such as water fluoridation and school-based prevention programs.

Dental Care Workforce

• Comprises a mix of healthcare professionals and innovative service delivery models:
  • Includes traditional dentists, dental hygienists, and new roles such as:
  • Denturists and Dental Therapists.
  • Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioners (ADHP):
    • Requires a master’s degree.
    • Focuses on prevention and primary restorative care without requiring a dentist's immediate presence.
  • Community Dental Health Coordinators (CDHC):
    • Aims to improve access to dental care.
    • Does not require a degree.

Comparison of New Models of Dental Health Providers

Important Agencies Engaging in Dental Health Education and Services

• Department of Agriculture: Provides nutritional support through WIC programs.
• Department of Education: Engages in public health initiatives related to educational environments.