Maine hospital adds dental clinic to alleviate ER visits

Like many hospitals across the U.S., Waldo County General Hospital in Belfast, ME, has found itself increasingly swamped with patients seeking treatment for dental pain in its emergency room (ER).

In addition to taxing the department's overall resources, these patients were not receiving the comprehensive dental care needed to address their problems, according to a news release from the ADA as part of its Action for Dental Health program.

"About 20% of our recent ER patient encounters have involved dental pain," said Dale Kuhnert, a member of the hospital's board of directors.

Waldo County's ER could provide pain relief and treat infection but was not staffed or equipped to treat the underlying problems. So many patients would return to the hospital with the same problems after their initial visits.

Waldo County's problem reflects a disturbing national trend. The number of dental ER visits in the U.S. jumped from 1.1 million in 2000 to 2.1 million in 2010, according to a recent study published by the ADA Health Policy Resources Center.

Across the U.S., hospitals, dentists and other stakeholders are taking on the challenge. In early July, Waldo County General took action, opening a dental clinic within the hospital to provide dental care to low-income patients. The clinic treats only adults; MaineCare, the state's Medicaid program, covers dental care for children but provides almost no dental coverage to adults.

To qualify for the Belfast program, patients must not have seen a dentist in the previous 12 months and meet certain federal income guidelines. The staff dental hygienist can provide dental health education, teeth cleanings, preventive treatments such as applying fluoride and sealants, and temporary fillings. Most patients pay a $10 to $20 fee, but no one is turned away because of inability to pay. Five area dentists provide comprehensive dental care for reduced fees to patients needing it, with the hospital's dental care initiative providing payment.

"This is Action for Dental Health at its best, a community solution that can be replicated by hospitals and dentists nationwide," said ADA President Robert Faiella, DMD, MMSc.