The goal of OHINCM was to increase access to dental services and improve the oral health of underserved residents of North Central Massachusetts. A number of comprehensive, integrated and collaborative strategies were implemented in the areas of access, provision of services, education and advocacy.
The outcomes of this initiative were substantial. They include:
- The establishment and expansion of sites for dental services at three CHC, locations in Fitchburg, Gardner and Leominster and through the ACTION Health Services program for the homeless and publicly housed populations.
- School-based dental services provided at 16 schools in five districts for grades K-5 and continue as of 2010.
- Mt. Wachusett Community College established a Dental Hygiene program.
- Working with the Oral Health Advocacy Task Force resulted in significant changes including the restoration of MassHealth adult dental health benefits, increased reimbursement rates for children and adults, funding for a third-party administrator for the MassHealth dental program; increased funding for DPH’s Office of Oral Health and funding for the BEST Oral Health Program, a preschool oral health project.