The Taunton Oral Health Collaborative

The Taunton Student Health Corps AmeriCorps program provides outreach and screening for uninsured and underinsured people in the region south of Boston. The Health Corps created the Taunton Oral Health Collaborative to provide oral health services to students of Taunton Public Schools. Oral health is a special concern because 86% of dentists in the state don't accept patients covered by the MassHealth health care program. AmeriCorps members and dental professionals provide free dental exams and diagnoses, X-rays, cleanings, and other services. More complex cases are referred to dentists willing to serve MassHealth and uninsured patients on a sliding fee basis.

In November 2001 an Oral Health Center opened at Taunton High School. The center provides services to both children and adults. Due to recent changes in state funding, adults are not provided the full coverage afforded to children. However, adults are offered services on a sliding payment scale.

The goal of this program is to provide free and reduced-cost oral health services to children and adults.

Through the efforts of the Student Health Corps and its partners, previously untreated dental problems are addressed and children learn proper oral hygiene. Dental services are available to all children, though the emphasis is on those from low-income backgrounds. Since the initiative began in February 2001 dental procedures have been provided to 1800 children, with some children requiring as many as nine visits. Some 862 sealants were administered to prevent future tooth decay.

For the AmeriCorps members, all of whom are planning or actually studying for careers in the health professions, the program is a great way to develop skills they need to be successful in the health care field while serving their community.