December 26, 2024
Linking isolated communities to care
A collaborative partnership, powered by trusted nonprofit partners, brings targeted medical and dental care to underserved communities in Oregon.
Jose Roberto Sandoval had been dealing with dental issues for some time. He was unaware that his worsening oral health could cause infections or loss of bone. Left untreated, these situations could lead to even more urgent health care issues over time.
“Since coming to this country, everyone told me that dental treatment was very expensive,” said Sandoval. His worry over the cost and the ability to get care led him to ignore the increasing pain his wisdom teeth were causing.
Fortunately, through a connection with Plaza de Nuestra Comunidad, a Eugene, Oregon, nonprofit community organization, Sandoval was referred to an upcoming no-cost mobile dental clinic. The clinic was hosted by Plaza de Nuestra Comunidad and operated through a partnership between Kaiser Permanente and Medical Teams International.
Sandoval was reassured that he could be helped and made an appointment.
A healthy partnership for underserved communities
Through the mobile clinic partnership, which was launched in 2022, patients like Sandoval in isolated communities can receive services such as emergency and restorative dental care, and early detection screenings for ongoing conditions including hypertension and diabetes at no cost. Patients can also receive education, counseling, and help with referrals for further primary care and dental needs.
Today, Sandoval is feeling much better. “Thanks to the support that this dental emergency program gives me, I was able to have my wisdom teeth extracted,” he said.
Bringing health care where it’s needed
“Working with Medical Teams has allowed us to leverage the expertise and resources of our organizations and expand our medical and dental services into areas where we see more under- and uninsured people,” said Alicia Lee, Kaiser Permanente community and social health lead for the partnership.
A key to the success of these mobile dental clinics is forming partnerships with trusted community organizations — like Plaza de Nuestra Comunidad — to help community members better navigate the health care system to get the care they need. To facilitate this, Kaiser Permanente works with 12 community organizations across the Northwest and provides them with a $20,000 grant to support administration and outreach for the clinics.
“These community groups already have relationships with underserved clients and understand their needs and concerns,” Lee said. “This helps us to remove barriers and create more direct access to care. And that can also have a positive effect on the overall community and our long-term resources.”
In addition to dental and medical care, mobile clinic staff members are available to help clients with referrals for further health and dental care in the community. People facing other social health challenges can get help with referrals and services for food insecurity, housing, Medicaid eligibility screenings, and more.
Since January 2024, 19 Kaiser Permanente dentists, along with numerous hygienists and dental assistants have participated in more than 40 mobile clinics, like the one held at Plaza De Nuestra Comunidad. Medical Teams also provides clinicians, dentists, medical assistants, and other professionals to support the partnership. Since 2022, more than 3,000 people in Oregon and Southwest Washington have received mobile clinic services through one of Kaiser Permanente’s community partners. This includes Sandoval, who credits the clinic for making a difference in his life.
“I am totally satisfied and grateful with Kaiser Permanente’s service and with Plaza De Nuestra Comunidad,” said Sandoval. “I hope you continue with these dental clinics because there are many people who need them.”
