Purpose

Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) established the Story County Dental Clinic to make oral health care accessible for uninsured and underinsured area residents.

Description

Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) opened the Story County Dental Clinic in February 2003 to provide restorative and preventative care to low-income residents who fall below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

The clinic operates in the Story County Human Services building at 126 South Kellogg Avenue in Ames, Iowa.  Area dentists donated equipment and other items for the clinic.  First-year funding was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Local Initiative Funding Partners Program ($75,000) based on the dollar-for-dollar match provided by two local foundations ($50,000 from the Welmark Foundation and $25,000 from the Melsa Foundation).  Funding for years 2, 3, and 4 were $25,000 from the Melsa Foundation, $50,000 from local donors and fundraising, and $75,000 as a dollar-for-dollar match from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Local Initiative Funding Partners.

Starting in October 1, 2007, the clinic began operation funded solely by Medicaid, community donations, and patient fees from the uninsured.  Medicaid patients pay a $3 co-pay and uninsured patients pay discounted dental rates.

The clinic is currently staffed full-time as follows:

• Dentists
• Dental hygienist
• Dental assistants
• Dental receptionist 

Services include but are not limited to:

• exams
• x-rays
• cleanings
• fluoride treatments
• sealants
• fillings
• extractions
• dentures and partials
• crowns
• spacers
• emergency pain relief
• oral health education

Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The clinic is closed on Mondays.

Outcomes

The Story County Dental Clinic serves approximately 225 patients each month with an income less than 200% of the poverty guidelines. 

Evaluation:  The project will be evaluated in two areas:

• The clinic will be self-sustaining through Medicaid fees, fee for service, and donations.
• Patients will periodically complete satisfaction questionnaires and clinic staff will meet monthly to evaluate service and fiscal viability. 

Other Human Service Agencies referring individuals will also be surveyed yearly to identify barriers and satisfaction with service.