Implementing a Patient-Centered and Cost-Effective School-Based Oral Health Program.

Abstract

In 2008, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced $1.5 billion in budget cuts that included the elimination of the Oral Health Program (OHP) administered by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH). Since it was established in 1903 until it was closed just over a decade ago, the OHP provided dental services for underserved populations in predominantly school-based settings. Given the shuttering of the 46 OHP dental sites throughout the five New York City boroughs, 17,000 school children in impoverished neighborhoods faced the loss of their dental homes. In response, the NYC DOHMH reached out to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) within New York City for support in meeting the oral health needs of the affected children.