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Regular Agenda Item 3. H.

Regular BOS Meeting

Meeting Date:	06/01/2021
Submitted For:	Michael O'Driscoll
Submitted By:	Veronica Hernandez, Client Outreach Specialist
Department:	Health & Emergency Management

Information

Request/Subject

Intergovernmental Agreement (Contract No. IGA2021-081) with the Arizona Department of Health Services for the Gila County Oral Health Cavity Free Program.

Background Information

The mission of the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Office of Oral Health (OOH) is to promote oral health for the well-being of all Arizona residents. Tooth decay is also one of the most common preventable diseases seen in children, preventable through preventative dental services such as the use of fluoride and the application of dental sealants. The Gila County Health Division will contract with the Arizona Dental Sealant Program (ADSP), which is a school-based preventive dental program targeting schools with greater than fifty percent (50%) of the children participating in the free and reduced school meal program. Second and sixth-grade children (and/or other grades approved by ADHS_OOH) without private dental insurance are eligible to participate. Children must have parental consent and a clinical need for sealants. Screenings and sealants are provided by OOH-trained dentists, Affiliated Practice (AP) dental hygienists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. OOH, training ensures specified guidelines are used to ensure successful sealant retention. Additionally, every effort is made to ensure that participating children receive information and referral to establish a dental home near their community. Gila County's Health Division will bring the Oral Health Cavity Free Program to Gila County communities and partner with local schools. The Oral Health Cavity Free Program of Gila County will run from July 1, 2021 through May 31, 2026. This program is targeted to help children who are at the greatest risk in the community low-income and underserved populations and those that are least likely to have access to dental care (locally). The Gila County Health Division will hire a registered dental assistant paid at $18 per hour who will oversee the Oral Health Cavity Free Program. This person will transport equipment and supplies, provide chair-side dental assisting, record dental findings as instructed by dentists and dental hygienists, adhere to infection control protocols, educate clients and families, and distribute referral and health insurance information. This program is reimbursement-based at $70 per child.

Evaluation

This Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) will allow the Gila County Health Department to assist children who do not have easy access to dental care. This program will allow a registered dental assistant, in coordination with a contracted dental hygienist, to establish services as contracted to an underserved population of children who may not have access to care otherwise. The program will educate children and their parents bout early oral health intervention.

Conclusion

Approval of this IGA gives children in Gila County communities improved access to oral health preventative services. The Gila County Health Division will not only provide screenings, sealants, and referrals to advanced dental care but education on oral health and preventative measures.

Recommendation

It is the recommendation of the Gila County Health Division that the Board of Supervisors approve IGA (Contract No. IGA2021-081) Gila County Oral Health Cavity Free Program for the period of July 1, 2021 through May 31, 2026. This program will greatly benefit the children in Gila County communities who do not have easy access to preventative dental care.

Suggested Motion

Information/Discussion/Action to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement (Contract No. IGA2021-081) with the Arizona Department of Health Services to provide the Gila County Oral Health Cavity Free Program for the period of July 1, 2021 through May 31, 2026. (Michael O'Driscoll)

Attachments
Intergovernmental Agreement (Contract No. IGA2021-081) Gila County Oral Health Cavity Free Program