Meeting People Where They Are: Lessons Learned from Dental Screening in Low-income Community Settings

Background: Oral health disparities disproportionately affect low-income populations, contributing to systemic health issues. Limited access to affordable dental care often results in untreated dental conditions, which can impair overall health and economic stability. Objectives: This study explored the feasibility of conducting dental screenings in community settings and supporting individuals in establishing a dental home. Methods: The study was implemented across two sites, a food pantry (n = 64) and a free medical clinic (n = 63), serving socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Participants were randomized into intervention (n = 59) and control groups (n = 67). Follow-up assessments were conducted one month post-intervention to evaluate dental appointment adherence and identify barriers to care. Results: Screening in a food pantry or a free medical clinic is feasible. However, no significant difference was found in dental appointment follow-through at the one-month timeframe, χ²(1) = 0.43, p = 0.512, 1 − β = 0.07, likely due to systemic delays in accessing Medicaid-accepting providers. Conclusions: While community-based dental screenings are viable, systemic challenges hinder timely access to care. Future outreach efforts should account for the extended time required to establish a dental home and consider multimonth follow-ups. Innovative, community-engaged strategies—such as mobile dental units and streamlined referral systems—may enhance access and continuity of care for underserved populations.