The Oral Health SIG focuses on program and family education initiatives to promote a better understanding of mobile dental programs among schools, community agencies, organizations, and families in need of quality oral health services. In an effort to reach families in need of dental services, the SIG gathers and distributes information about unique and successful programs nationwide, thereby facilitating access to new and existing programs. Our goal is to encourage regular oral health visits - introducing the concept of a “dental home” and educating the target group on the importance of maintaining a dental home for families and their children.

 

The SIG plans to enlist the assistance of mobile dental programs from each state to compile information regarding their state resources, laws and regulations governing the practice of dentistry and challenges specific to that state or region. Providing a resource outlining licensure requirements, certification, and staff needs will assist programs during their early planning process. Although some of this information is simple to obtain, many new mobile dental programs do not have a dental professional on staff in the initial planning stages. Our goal is to encourage programs to use dental auxiliary staff to their full potential and thus, encourage maximum productivity and best use of program resources.

 

Many states are experiencing operational difficulties as a result of multiple mobile dental programs with differing financial objectives. The SIG seeks to develop programs providing tools that can educate local schools, community agencies and organizations to address challenges created when multiple programs operate within the same community. The SIG intends to address the potential impact of for-profit organizations that effect community-based efforts and local dental providers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next year’s theme, The Economics of Mobile Healthcare: Challenges & Solutions, is vital to the success of all mobile community outreach programs. In sessions, roundtable discussions, and workshops you will hear stories, insights, and lessons learned from mobile health colleagues that will ensure your program’s efficiency and productivity. Be part of the larger conversation and learn from the experts and those who are a few steps ahead … plan to join us next year in Seattle.

 

 

MHCN, a nationwide membership-based association, is dedicated to providing a viable foundation for unifying the vision and advocacy of mobile healthcare providers across the country. Our mission is to identify and establish compelling initiatives, facilitate continued communications among mobile healthcare providers, and assist our members as they strive to launch and sustain a mobile health program. MHCN provides a forum for enhancing professional skills and productivity and a structure for advocacy that encourages collaboration with a broad spectrum of mobile health experts to better serve our communities. MHCN is currently engaged in developing a number of compelling initiatives ~ outcomes assessment tools, an emergency response policy, a “green-friendly” vehicle advisory, regional partnerships/chapters, online Members Message Board and scheduled Chat Rooms, and a Registry of pre-owned vehicle sellers/buyers. Additionally, MHCN supports several SIGS (dental, emergency response, mammography, and Tele-MobileHealth) and hosts the 2008 Annual Forum.

 

If you are not a member of MHCN, you can join by clicking on Membership at the top of this page. We welcome your comments, feedback, questions, and most especially your contribution to reaching our shared mission.