SASH Hosts On-Site Congregate Housing Dental Clinics

This summer, SASH introduced on-site dental cleaning pilots across Vermont SASH panels, enhancing access to essential dental care. By addressing social determinants of health (SDoH), SASH aimed to reduce barriers to dental care and improve oral health outcomes for participants, particularly those with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. These initiatives were designed to mitigate the risks associated with inadequate dental care and reduce health comorbidities linked to poor oral health.

SASH's annual nursing assessment screens participants for dental access and as of July 2023, only 52% of SASH participants had access to a dental provider and only 42% of participants had had a dental visit in the past year. In addition, a review conducted in March 2024 highlighted potential barriers to health access among SASH participants. The data revealed that transportation was the primary SDoH risk, posing significant challenges for participants who struggled to attend crucial medical and dental appointments due to limited access to reliable transportation. 

In response, SASH partnered with Michael Messina, a Registered Dental Hygienist, via connection through the Vermont Department of Health Dental Division. Messina provided on-site dental care by bringing his fully equipped mobile dental clinic to congregate housing facilities for Medicaid-insured residents. The services offered included dental cleanings, silver diamine fluoride applications, oral exams, fluoride varnish, and sealants, along with referrals for advanced dental care. The coordination of these clinics was supported by SASH Health Systems Educator Marci Simpson, RN, and eight SASH Community Health Workers across three counties. 

During July and August, SASH conducted eight dental clinics in Washington, Rutland, and Brattleboro counties, serving a total of 64 residents, 57 of whom were SASH participants. The clinics also included blood pressure screenings and referrals for further dental services. The response from participants was overwhelmingly positive, prompting plans for four additional clinics in Chittenden County in September at Cathedral Square and Winooski housing sites. (Those clinics happened 9/11-9/16 at 4 SASH panel sites). With the overall success of the dental clinic pilot, SASH is in the process of implement plans for future sustainability of on-site congregate housing dental clinics across the state. This initiative was supported in part by a grant from the Vermont Department of Health. 

Here are some success stories shared by SASH coordinators and participants:

• "I had one SASH participant who has not seen a dentist in years due to transportation, anxiety, fear it was going to hurt. This participant is praying Michael returns so he can clean her teeth again. HUGE SUCCESS." - Debbie Boyce, Barre Housing
• "We had a participant come for a cleaning who had not seen a dental provider for 10+ years. This was for a variety of reasons. Lack of local providers that accept Medicaid, lack of transportation and a fear of seeing a dental provider. Having SASH staff there that the participant trusts was very helpful in calming the participant." - Molly Bennett, Windham & Windsor Housing Trust
• "I was completely impressed. I had a gap in my dental care when my regular dentist had a hard time hiring dental hygienists last year. I don't have a car and take SSTA, so this was very convenient, having it offered in my building. The hygienist who did the cleaning was absolutely wonderful. My teeth felt so clean! It was a great experience." - Colleen, Grand Way Commons resident & SASH participant