Health First - Adult Dental Clinic

What is it?

In 2011, Health First identified a need with low-income Brevard County residents without dental insurance. Because demand was far exceeding the availability of free or low-cost dental services, these residents routinely went to Health First’s emergency department (ED) presenting with acute dental pain, seeking treatment with either pain medication or antibiotics. Without an appropriate referral for follow-up, the patient’s dental problem was only temporarily resolved. .Health First’s Adult Dental Clinic, a partnership with the Florida Health Department, is a weekly clinic for patients to receive follow-up treatment by a licensed dental hygienist and dentist.

Who is it for?

Low-income Brevard County residents without dental insurance and a regular dentist.

Why do they do it?

Often, patients returned to the ED with the condition worse than before – sometimes with a potentially life-threatening condition.

Impact

Since its inception in 2011, the dental clinic has provided nearly 1,540 appointments, 1,000 examinations, 1,120 X-rays and 1,100 extractions, at an estimated savings to patients of $343,430.

Contact: Maureen Tills
Community Benefit Senior Project Specialist
Telephone: 321-434-4327
Email: maureen.tills@health-first.org