Enhancing Oral Health Collaboration in North Dakota
GrantID: 63147
Grant Funding Amount Low: $3,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $3,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Enhancing Interprofessional Collaboration in North Dakota
In North Dakota, particularly in its rural areas, the healthcare system faces significant challenges concerning access to oral health services. The state’s unique geography and demographic composition, with many communities distant from urban centers, contribute to a shortage of dental providers. Over 60% of North Dakotans live in rural areas where access to dental care is not only limited but also heavily reliant on collaborative models that integrate various health disciplines. This initiative focuses on enhancing interprofessional collaboration between Physician Assistants (PAs) and dental health providers to improve patient care and communication efficiency.
The primary individuals affected by this gap are residents in rural counties who experience considerable delays in receiving necessary dental care. The lack of nearby dental professionals forces patients to travel long distances to access services, often resulting in avoidance of care altogether. This collaborative model aims to address the systemic issues of coordination among healthcare providers, ensuring that patients receive timely and comprehensive oral health services.
Funding provided by this initiative will establish structured training programs that promote teamwork between PAs and dental health professionals. By focusing on interprofessional education and practice, PAs will learn to engage more effectively with dental providers, leading to improved patient outcomes. The collaborative frameworks will include shared patient care protocols, communication channels, and joint educational efforts about the importance of oral health.
By fostering interprofessional collaboration, this initiative aims to deliver significant outcomes, enhancing the efficiency of patient care and reducing barriers to accessing oral health services. In North Dakota, where healthcare delivery is often hampered by distance and provider shortages, the establishment of a cooperative model can lead to improved health experiences for individuals in rural settings. The initiative not only aims to improve individual patient outcomes but also seeks to foster a systematic approach to addressing oral health needs across the state.
This structured collaboration model sets North Dakota apart from others in the region, where dental health and primary care may still operate independently. This initiative’s focus on teamwork is a vital step toward addressing the unique challenges faced by North Dakotans in rural areas, ensuring that oral health is woven into the fabric of comprehensive healthcare delivery.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
