SmileConnect
Overview
Low-income children are five times more likely to suffer from untreated tooth decay compared to children with greater means. This leads to suffering and health problems that can extend into adulthood, all of which can be easily prevented at an affordable cost. Our SmileConnect solution, an integrated care model, addresses this need by helping providers coordinate dental care for children.
Approach
Altarum’s SmileConnect program is a scalable model that combines provider education and referral technology to improve access to dental care. Here's how it works:
- An accredited provider education program that helps primary care clinicians integrate preventive oral health exams and other basic dental care services, such as application of fluoride varnishes, into well-child visits.
- Referral technology that makes it easy for primary care doctors and other community providers to refer children to nearby dentists who accept Medicaid and CHIP, and to track the care of their young patients.
Focus Areas
Maternal and Child Health Medicare and Medicaid Public Health Information TechnologyExamples of Our Work
Registry DevelopmentResults
In Michigan, the SmileConnect program resulted in a 70-90% increase in preventive oral health services delivered. Children who were referred to a dentist through SmileConnect's dental referral technology platform were five times more likely to visit a dentist and get preventive oral care than children who did not receive an electronic referral.
Experts
Senior Director, Applied Research and Analytics