Cedar Valley United Way

Progress Report 2013/2014

Target Issue: Health-Basic Health Care Prevention and Access

Peoples Community Health Clinic 2013/2014 Request: $53,000

Dental Care 2013/2014 Award: $53,910

Number of anticipated participants to be directly served by the program annually: 40

·  Changes to the number of anticipated participants based on current conditions: On track total number of actual participants: Phase 1: 36 Phase 2: 14

Phase 1* Phase 2* Cumulative Totals*

# of participants who are able to access appropriate health care / The year started with 55 participants enrolled in the program. / Some of the 55 enrolled in the program transitioned to the new Iowa Wellness Dental plan for services while others did not start the process. / 40 received services during the grant year. 19 new participants are enrolled for the next grant period and will begin treatment after July 1, 2014.
# of participants that are on track to successfully exit this program / 36 participants received services between July 1 and December 31, 2013. / 14 participants received services between January 1 and June 31, 2014. / 40 participants received services during the grant year.
Your choice as it relates to basic health care prevention and access: / The treatment plan for 26 participants was completed during this time period. They are now on a routine check-up schedule. / The treatment plan for 13 patients was completed during this 6 month period. The participants are now on a routine check-up schedule. / 39 participants now have the dentures they needed to maintain nutrition, improve oral health and feel better about their smiles.

*Report only unduplicated numbers

Based on the above information, what changes, challenges or improvements are being implemented or experienced to impact the effectiveness of the program?

·  Phase 1: The challenge during this time period is keeping participants engaged in completing their treatment plan once they have been enrolled. PCHC has a reminder system in place. More exploration of the cause for participants dropping out of the program will be done during the next phase.

·  Phase 2: The program was listed as one element in attracting 2 new dentists to the practice. Most Federally Qualified Health Centers are limited in the amount of denture work they are allowed to provide. Peoples Clinic Dental program could not offer this service if it weren’t for United Way funding.

The program instituted a screening process that improved the probability that participants would attend appointments and finish their treatment plans. Participants were limited in the number of times they could “no show” (miss appointments without cancelling or rescheduling) to stay enrolled in the program. Participants were notified of this policy prior to beginning treatment.

The availability of adult dental coverage through the State Medicaid Expansion/Iowa Dental Wellness plan will help the formerly uninsured access care. The plan that began May 1, 2014, requires participants to get regular exams and cleanings plus complete a health risk assessment survey prior to qualifying for dentures or other “high end” procedures. Several of this year’s participants were grandfathered in because they were in the middle of a treatment plan. This program will continue to be monitored for its impact on the United Way program. Unfortunately it only covers patients up to 65 years of age. Those 65+ remain uninsured for basic dental care.

Share at least one of the “success stories” or accomplishments that a participant has experienced during each reporting period. This must be participant focused and aligned with the intent of this award.

·  Phase 1: Surveys were administered to participants asking about pain, eating habits and other health concerns. There was a small return of completed pre and post treatment surveys but many who submitted either a pre or post survey gave comments.

Pre-treatment:

“Without any top teeth my diet is very limited – can’t chew fresh veggies or fruit”

“I need my teeth badly.”

Post-treatment

Survey indicated improvement in relief from pain and appearance of smile.

“Good Job – Thank you!”

“I can smile at life again!”

·  Phase 2: The survey contains 5 statements that participants are asked to answer with “yes” or “no”. Those questions are:

o  I have tooth/mouth pain.

o  I eat fewer than two meals a day.

o  I eat few fruits, vegetables or dairy products.

o  I have tooth/mouth problems that make it hard for me to eat.

o  I am unhappy with the appearance of my smile.

During this phase two participants completed both the pre and post treatment surveys. One indicated improvement in all 5 areas while the other indicated they felt better about the appearance of their smile.

Phase 1= July 1, 2013-December 31, 2013 Report Due: January 15, 2014

Phase 2=January 1, 2014-June 30, 2014 Report Due: July 15, 2014