Identification and description of mobile dental programs--a brief communication.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to identify and describe mobile dental programs in California. METHODS: The programs were identified by Internet searches, county health officers, local dental society directors, mobile program directors, and others. A cross-sectional survey was mailed to program directors if their programs provide clinical dental services beyond screening and education. RESULTS: In California, 33 programs were identified; survey response rate was 70 percent. The populations most likely to be served were those with low-income (100 percent), elementary (77 percent) and preschool (68 percent) children, non-English speakers (64 percent), and the Medicaid-eligible (64 percent). At least half of the programs were providing services in designated Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas. Most program directors indicated that if their program was discontinued, it would be "very difficult" (61 percent) or "difficult" (35 percent) for the target populations to get dental services. CONCLUSIONS: Mobile dental programs are a highly variable, but important, strategy for bringing dental care to many underserved populations.