Abstract
BackgroundThe purpose of this descriptive study is to outline the Roseman University of Health Sciences (RUHS) College of Dental Medicines’ Patient Assistance Fund development, organization and outcomes. The description and reported results provide insight to others considering similar health professions programs.MethodsThe Patient Assistance Fund (PAF) affords dental students an opportunity to petition for and obtain financial assistance for their most disadvantaged patients. In this study, two sources of data were collected and used with a quantitative analysis for data collected as part of the PAFs operation and a qualitative analysis to evaluate the patient experiences.ResultsA total of 16 student advocates, consisting of 6 males and 10 females from the D3 and D4 classes made 26 presentations to the PAF board committee. The combined amount requested from the PAF was $47,428.00 (“Cost of Treatment Plan”) representing an average request per patient of $1824.15 (range $324.00 to $4070.00). The approved procedures and treatment plans totaled $21,278.36 (“Cost of Approved Procedures”) with an average of $818.40 (range $204.00 to $2434.00) per patient. Patients and students expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the program.ConclusionsThis study provides an overview of the structure, funding sources, expenditures and patient services supported by a dental student managed patient assistance fund. The experiences at RUHS College of Dental Medicine (CODM) suggest that other healthcare professions schools can develop similar type programs that yield benefit both to students and to patients in need.
Highlights
The purpose of this descriptive study is to outline the Roseman University of Health Sciences (RUHS) College of Dental Medicines’ Patient Assistance Fund development, organization and outcomes
In the US, a 2020 Surgeon General’s report noted that socioeconomic factors are significant risk factors for poor oral health and poverty increases the likelihood of tooth loss
RUHS College of Dental Medicine’s (CODM) undergraduate dental program is located in South Jordan, Utah, part of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area
Summary
The purpose of this descriptive study is to outline the Roseman University of Health Sciences (RUHS) College of Dental Medicines’ Patient Assistance Fund development, organization and outcomes. Striking disparities in dental disease and access to care still exist in the United States. In the US, a 2020 Surgeon General’s report noted that socioeconomic factors are significant risk factors for poor oral health and poverty increases the likelihood of tooth loss. Individuals living in poverty account for the highest percentage of people who did not get dental care due to cost [6, 7]. According to Vujicic et al, 59% of adults who had not visited the dentist within the past 12 months cite cost as the reason, more than any other type of health care [4]. Risks of delaying oral health care can lead to needless pain, increased time off from school or work, advanced dental disease
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