Abstract
Objective—This paper describes a community-based intervention to provide a dental home for
women covered by Medicaid in Klamath County, Oregon. In 2001, 8.8% of pregnant women served
by Medicaid in Oregon received care.
Methods—Pregnant women received home/WIC visits and were assigned a dental home under a
dental managed care program (DCO). All initial care was provided at the Oregon Institute of
Technology Dental Hygiene Clinic under the contract with the DCO. Emergency, preventive and
restorative care was provided.
Result—Between February 2004 and January 2006, 503 pregnant women were identified: 421
women were contactable. Of these, 339 received home visits (339/421, 80.5%) and 235 received care
(235/339, 69.3%). Overall, 55.8% of eligible women received care (235/421). Most who did not have
a visit either moved or were not the caretaker of the baby. The missed appointment rate was 9%.
Conclusion—A community health partnership led to a successful and sustainable model extending