Providing Dental Care to the Homeless
A success story
Kelly L. Anderson, RDH, MHS
Featuring the clinical work of Kelly L. Anderson, RDH, MHS*, as well as Barbara M Gonzalez and Kelsey Stevens
Homelessness continues to be one of our nation's greatest tragedies, and the homeless population's inability to access reliable healthcare significantly affects their ability to improve their health and secure more permanent means of employment and living arrangements. This investigation followed a group of 15 homeless patients who were provided oral healthcare in order to track their ability to subsequently secure work and continued success.
*Assistant Professor, Department of Dental Hygiene, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completing this podcast, the listener should:
- See how proper dental care can greatly enhance the quality of life of those who do not regularly recieve it
- Understand and become familiar with volunteerism in dentistry
Related Reading:
- National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty. Out of sight-out of mind? A report on anti-homeless laws, litigation, and alternatives in 50 United States cities. Washington, DC: National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty; 1999.
- Gelberg L, Linn LS, Rosenberg DJ. Dental health of homeless adults. Spec Care Dent 1988;8(4):167-172.
- Han B, Wells B, Taylor AM . Use of the Health Care for the Homeless Program services and other healt care services by homeless adults. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2003;(1):87-99.
- King TB, Gibson G. Oral health needs and access to dental care of the homeless adults in the United States: A review. Spec Care Dent 2003;23(4):143-147.
- National Coalition for the Homeless. People Need Health Care. 2007. Available at: http://www.nationalhomeless.org/publications/facts/health.html. Accessed January 16, 2011.
- Allukian M Jr. Oral health: An essential service for the homeless. J Public Health Dent 1995;55(1):8-9.
- Kaste LM, Bodlen AJ. Dental caries in homeless adults in Boston. J Public Health Dent 1995;55(1):34-36.