Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

DOUGLAS COUNTY HOSPITAL - Alexandria, Minnesota
Caring Hands Dental Clinic

What is it?
A product of the hospital auxiliary in collaboration with the community’s dentists, physicians, and social services, the Caring Hands Dental Clinic has been operational since late August 2006. Nine dentists volunteer their time in the clinic on Fridays. The three chairs have been booked solid from the start, and there is currently a long waiting list.

Who is it for?
Indigent and lower-income dental patients of all ages in the community.

Why do they do it?
In 2002, the Douglas County Hospital Auxiliary reviewed the county community health assessment and found a significant lack of dentists available to Douglas County residents. The county had only one dental provider able to accept new Medical Assistance clients due to low reimbursement rates. Between six and eight patients a month came to the hospital emergency department with severe pain and infection related to dental problems. These patients did not have access to dental care and had nowhere else to go.

Impact:
To date, more than 100 patients have been seen at the clinic, which treats 15-20 patients per week. The task force has established a protocol for patients with dental emergencies coming to the hospital. Patients now coming to the ED with dental pain or tooth infections are cared for and seen by one of the dentists participating in this program.

Contact: William G. Flaig
Administrator
Telephone: 320-762-6021
E-mail: bflaig@dchospital.com