Revolutionizing Dental Care Access: The Virtual Dental Home Program
What is the Virtual Dental Home?
The Virtual Dental Home (VDH) program is an innovative approach to delivering dental care to communities through telehealth technology. By connecting patients with dental professionals remotely, the VDH program eliminates barriers to access such as lack of providers, transportation challenges, and difficulties with care coordination.
​
Through the VDH model, dental hygienists conduct screenings and gather necessary diagnostic information, which is then securely transmitted to a dentist for review and treatment planning. This allows patients to receive the care they need without having to travel long distances or face the logistical challenges of traditional dental visits.
.jpg)
Why is the Virtual Dental Home needed?
Access to dental care is a major challenge for many individuals, especially those in rural and low-income communities. The VDH program directly addresses critical issues.
LACK OF PROVIDERS
Dental shortages in rural and underserved areas leave many without access to professional care. The VDH model allows a small number of dentists to serve larger populations through telehealth.
TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS
Long distances to dental offices, lack of transportation options, and financial constraints often prevent individuals from seeking care. VDH brings dental care closer to home by eliminating the need for travel.
COORDINATION OF CARE
Managing oral health often requires collaboration between different healthcare providers. The VDH system improves care coordination, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and continuous care, all through a seamless digital platform.
How you can get involved
FOR DENTISTS:
Dentists can expand their reach and provide essential care to underserved populations by participating in the Virtual Dental Home program. Here's how you can get involved:
​
-
Review Remote Diagnoses: Participate in virtual consultations, reviewing diagnostic information (like x-rays and photos) transmitted by dental hygienists or health workers.
-
Create Treatment Plans: Based on remote assessments, you can provide treatment recommendations, including referrals to specialists if necessary.
-
Collaborate with Local Providers: Partner with dental hygienists and community health workers to ensure comprehensive care for patients.
FOR DENTAL HYGIENISTS:
Dental hygienists play a critical role in the Virtual Dental Home model. You can:
​
-
Conduct Screenings: Provide on-site screenings and gather diagnostic data for remote review by a dentist.
-
Offer Preventive Care: Perform routine preventive treatments such as cleanings and fluoride applications, based on the dentist’s remote guidance.
-
Serve as Local Coordinators: Act as the primary point of contact for patients, ensuring that care is well-coordinated and that patients receive follow-up care.
FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERS:
Community organizations, schools, and public health agencies can support the VDH program by:
​
-
Facilitating Access to Care: Help identify underserved individuals and connect them with local VDH providers.
-
Provide Space for Screenings: Offer venues for conducting screenings and health assessments, making it easier for community members to participate.
-
Engage with Local Outreach: Assist in spreading awareness of the program and its benefits to the community.
