Hawaii - Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center - PEDS

Essential Dental Safety Net.   The Health Center is the only safety net dental practice on the Leeward Coast. In addition, with the support of the community, the Health Center has identified area elementary schools as optimal sites for early intervention/screening processes, basic preventive service delivery, and patient referral to providers for follow up and treatment. In 2011 it served approximately 5,500 patients who account for 11,900 visits annually. About 80% of these visits are patients who are either uninsured or on Medicaid. The facility is located in Waianae and consists of 9 operatories. It provides a full range of general dental practice services for patients of all ages. The Dental Department is actively involved with other organizations to improve health outcomes and service delivery in the community. Each year, a minimum of five dentists are accepted to the site to exchange ideas and gain an appreciation for the concept of ""E Ola kino Maika'i, Ku Kakou"" to stand together for good health and quality of life. These types of affiliations, particularly in the area of pediatrics, have opened up access to care for children who were previously required to travel outside of the Leeward Coast for care. A strong believer in prevention and education, the department is also an active partner with local organizations to address the high oral disease rate exhibited by the population. Since 2006, it has provided free screening, cleanings, fluoride, and sealants at four elementary schools on the Waianae Coast. The health center receives contributions from partners such as the Hawaii Dental Service (HDS), Queen Lili'uokalani Foundation , and the Hawaii Dental Association (HDA), and this program has made a difference in the lives of thousands of children since its inception.  Ten pediatric dentistry residents rotate between 4 health center locations - Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, West Hawaii Community Health Center (Keiki Health Center), Lanai Community Health Center, and The Community Clinic of Maui.