90 Days: Mapping Out Next Steps

On the heels of our first Learning Session last month, SMILES grantees immediately set out to develop their plans toward a new model of care that ensures access to dental services for low-income, vulnerable and isolated Coloradans. All six grantees have supplied their 90-day plans, which include these efforts:

• Partnership Development: SMILES planning teams are actively identifying key partners, and making plans to engage new and potential partners – from health centers, schools and private practice providers to community centers and others. 
• Community Collaboration: Grantees are exploring potential collaborations in their communities, based on criteria such as existing infrastructure, needs of the target population, adequate available space, interest and willingness to commit to support dental access for their constituents, and a sustainable business model. 
• Readiness Assessment: As teams meet with potential partners, they are assessing the readiness of each community and the strengths of existing infrastructures to deliver dental care in a virtual dental home.

Meanwhile, we’re asking these questions as grantees begin to develop a new system of care:

• Who are your local champions and supporters? 
• Is your community open to developing a new dental services delivery model? 
• How will your communities implement the SMILES Dental Project? 

In coming months, teams will delve deeper into the logistics of equipment needed to deliver services; and identify the unique operations requirements to provide care as part of a telehealth- connected team. For example: which electronic dental record will meet the telehealth requirements? What are the specific Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for portable equipment? What are school policies on X-rays?

Together, we’ll tackle these questions and more in the planning year ahead, ensuring successful implementation of the SMILES Dental Project!