LOUSIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER, New Orleans, LA
Project Title: “Smile Again, New Orleans!”
Organizational Setting:
An outpatient hospital clinic program of the Medical Center of New Orleans.
Goals/Objectives:
To utilize a mobile dental unit to provide comprehensive oral health care to underserved HIV-positive people living in New Orleans, utilizing the innovative method of addressing consumers attitudes and beliefs concerning dental care. Assess correlation of oral health and systemic health. Train dental personnel and community health care providers in the management of HIV-positive dental patients. Implement provision of dental services in mobile van. Collect baseline data on existing oral health facilities in post-Katrina New Orleans. Participate in the multi-site evaluation of the SPNS oral health initiative. Dissemination of findings to local audiences.
Significant Program Accomplishments:
+ Began services 1/8/08
+ The van goes out three days per week to two community sites from 8:30 to 4
+ 32 patients enrolled in SPNS Study as of 5/21/08
+ Oral health care kits (paste, brush, floss, etc.) given to all patients seen on van
+ Attendance and popularity of Mobile Dental Program at health fairs and around community
+ GREAT team of director, program coordinator, dentist, dental assistant, and driver
+ Equipment issues resolved by taking van back to manufacturer
Geographic Setting:
Urban; mobile van.
Location:
The city of New Orleans, LA.
Target Population:
An underserved HIV+ population within the city of New Orleans – those who are accessing care and those who are not currently accessing dental care services. “At risk” minorities who do not know their HIV status and are not actively engaged in seeking medical care.
Program Intervention/Services:
The project will include the use of a mobile unit to provide oral health services, HIV testing and patient education. In addition, services will include referral of newly diagnosed HIV-positive clients into medical care as well as the coordination of primary care services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Program Staff:
Dentist, dental hygienist, general practice residents and dental students
Partners & Linkages to Medical Care:
Covenant House, Louisiana Office of Public Health (OPH), Latino Outreach Program, In This Together (ITT), FACES, Leading Edge/Family Health Center, and NOAIDS Task Force.
Consumer Involvement:
First year plan to identify patient needs and wants regarding oral health care and to incorporate that information into the design of the service delivery.
Contact Information
Name & Title:
Dr. Janet E. Leigh
Mailing Address:
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Dentistry
1100 Florida Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 504-941-8239
Fax: 504-941-8240