Running head: AFFORDABLE DENTAL SERVICES CLINIC

Affordable Dental Services Clinic

Bethany Hesselink, Zachary Holmes, Renee Ivers, Amy Lewis,
Sara Towers, Sheri Van De Burg
Ferris State University

Affordable Dental Services Clinic

Practicing good oral hygiene is important to maintaining a healthy mouth, teeth and
gums. It will also help both your appearance and quality of life. Seeing a dentist regularly helps
to keep your mouth in top shape and allows your dentist to watch for developments that may
point to other health issues. (Factors Affecting Oral Health over the Life Span, n.d.)
A dental exam can also detect poor nutrition and hygiene, growth and development
problems and improper jaw alignment. Unfortunately, tens of millions do not have access to
dental care so these problems often go undiagnosed. Dental care needs may be unmet due to such
factors as poverty, geography, lack of oral health education, language or cultural barriers, and
fear of dental care.
Affordable Dental Services Clinic was developed to increase access for those in need of
dental care in Montcalm County. This paper will explain the organization including goals,

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mission statements, philosophy, organizational charts, job descriptions, and projected budget. By
designing a clinic focused on promoting optimal oral health we strive to improve the overall
health of these clients as well.
Access to dental care in Montcalm County is available for the insured, and to a lesser
degree for the uninsured. Clinics like Cherry Street Clinic and Stanton Dental Care Center
provide dental services to residents on a sliding-scale payment program, based on household
income. According to data retrieved from Community health assessment; Montcalm county
health profile (2011) access to dental care was perceived to be a health problem in more cases
than was healthcare access by both providers and community respondents stating further that
health insurance was available to twice as many community respondents as was dental
insurance. (p. 49) Furthermore, this assessment data highlighted the fact that 25.2% of
respondents delayed seeking dental care due to cost.
There were several themes that were identified as needs by the respondents in this survey.
Identified was the need for free or low cost dental clinics for low income, uninsured families, in
Montcalm County. Also identified was the need for education to the public about the harms of
soda and sweet drinks and the importance of these products being removed from school system
vending machines.
Mission Statement
Affordable Dental Services, a clinic providing services to low income and uninsured
families, will look to fill the gap for this group of patients, providing the necessary dental
services to this population. Providing high quality oral healthcare in a cost-sensitive manner,
Affordable Dental Services will provide a full dental assessment including xrays, dental
education, teeth cleaning, simple tooth extraction, and when needed, further resources.

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Committed to excellence, the Affordable Dental Services Clinic team will promote optimal oral
health through the care delivered.
Philosophy
Our philosophy is to provide the highest quality and most comprehensive care to all of
our patients. We believe in treating all patients the way we ourselves would want to be treated.
Our practice is based on honesty and the Hippocratic Oath of "do no harm." Our office is a place
where socio-economic status does not influence the outcome of our treatment recommendations.
We understand that the foundation for the best dental health care is based on mutual trust,
respect, communication and understanding. Our practice provides care with honesty, excellence
and integrity. We place emphasis on the prevention and maintenance of excellent oral health for a
lifetime.
Our goal is to provide a friendly, relaxed, caring atmosphere in our office, and we pride
ourselves on making each visit a pleasant experience for all of our patients. We recognize and
appreciate each patients individual needs, concerns, and desires. We believe in preventative
dentistry, because we feel that prevention is the best way to control both dental disease and the
cost of future dental care. Education is an important part of the prevention process, and has been
proven to be an effective way to maintain dental health. (Factors Affecting Oral Health
over the Life Span, n.d.) We will educate the client regarding the current condition of their
mouth, so you will be able to make informed decisions about the treatment needed.
In order to accomplish this goal we encourage our patients to come in regularly for their
cleanings and checkups so that problems can be noted earlier and treated with less invasive
techniques. From the initial visit, home oral care will be discussed, and we will help with any
problems that may be occurring. Prevention also includes routine prophylaxis (cleanings), x-

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rays, fluoride treatments, and sealants for children when appropriate. While teaching prevention
is important, we recognize the fact that some patients will have ongoing problems such as decay
or dental emergencies that may necessitate fillings or abstractions.
It is very important that our attitudes, actions and activities of everyone in our office are
congruent with the values, purpose and motivating spirit of this clinic. We hope that our clients
will be as honest and forthcoming with us as we will be with them. In this way, the client can feel
confident in the fact that the treatment recommended is individualized, and is designed to meet
the individuals needs, without pressure or judgment. Our team will do whatever possible to
ensure you understand the treatment options and the associated fees prior to initiating treatment.
Organizational Goals
Having a goal for this particular organization is imperative in order to provide these
specific services to this group of people. In support of the Affordable Dental Clinics mission
statement and philosophy, the following goals have been established.
The first goal for the dental clinic is to provide quality dental care to clients in need. The
Montcalm County Health Profile indicated that only 62% of residents in Montcalm County
received an oral exam or dental cleaning in the past two years (Mid-Michigan Health
Department, 2011). The clinic wants to be able to provide quality care to those who are unable to
obtain dental services otherwise. The second goal for the dental clinic is to assist patients to
maintain the best dental health possible. Through the delivery of quality care, the clinic can assist
patients in maintaining their dental health by providing more affordable services.
Thirdly, a goal for the dental clinic is to educate patients in the proper brushing and flossing
technique as well as the importance of doing so on a daily basis. At the clinic we hope to educate

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patients in the correct way to brush and floss your teeth and thus assist patients in decreasing
tooth decay and cavities and maintaining their overall dental health.
The fourth goal for the dental clinic is to refer clients to other specialties if they require
more services than the clinic can provide. If a patient requires a root canal or braces, the clinic
would refer the patient to an endodontic dentist or orthodontist, and assist the patient in obtaining
information needed.
The fifth goal for the dental clinic is to provide appropriate medication as needed. If an
infection is discovered after examination the clinic would provide the antibiotics needed or assist
the patient in obtaining the antibiotics as needed. The sixth goal for the dental clinic is to remain
fiscally solvent. The clinic would like to open for those who need it for as long as possible. The
clinic charges limited amounts for services and needs to be able to pay for supplies and staff.
Organizational Objectives
In support of the Affordable Dental Clinics mission and philosophy, the following objectives
have been established.

To treat as many patients as possible who the criteria of the dental clinic.

To educate patients about proper brushing and flossing technique at every visit.

To educate patients about the importance of brushing at least two times per day and
flossing at least once per day at every visit.

To educate patients with cavities about the prevention of tooth decay and avoiding things
like soda and smoking at every visit and subsequent visits if needed.

To remain fiscally solvent after one year.

To provide patients with a free toothbrush, dental floss, and toothpaste at every visit.

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To assess level of pain before, during, and after each procedure and provide adequate
pain control if needed at every visit.

The objectives created will provide direction to the clinical staff so that the clinic will be able
to make positive contributions to the delivery of oral health care services to the public.
Organizational System
In the organizational chart (appendix A) layout of staff needed to run the clinic is clear.
This chart will be used to coordinate the staff and care provided at The Affordable Dental
Services Clinic. The Clinical Coordinator role will be filled by one of the hygienists, who will
make out the schedule and assignments for staff on the days the clinic is open. Further details
regarding the individual roles and responsibilities of each team member are provided later in this
paper.
Job Descriptions
Job descriptions provide a written guide detailing the roles and responsibilities of the
position and should reflect current evidence based guidelines. It also describes whom the
individual will report to. Strong and concise job descriptions are very important because they
provide the basis for roles within the organization (Yoder-Wise, 2014, p. 295).
The following is a job description for a paid dental hygienist position for Affordable Dental
Services Clinic.
1. Purpose

Promotes dental health by completing dental prophylaxis; providing oral cancer

screening and radiographic studies; charting conditions of decay and disease;
performing procedures in compliance with the dental practice act.

2. Responsibilities

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Prepares treatment room for patient by adhering to prescribed procedures and

protocols.

Prepares patient for dental hygiene treatment by welcoming, soothing, seating,

and draping patient.

Provides information to patients and employees by answering questions and

requests.

Maintains instrumentation for dental hygiene treatment by sharpening, sterilizing,

and selecting instruments.

Selects materials and equipment for dental hygiene visit by evaluating patient's
oral health.

Completes x-rays, dental prophylaxis by cleaning deposits and stains from teeth
and from beneath gum margins.

Detects disease by completing oral cancer screening; feeling and visually

examining gums; using probes to locate periodontal disease and to assess levels of
recession; exposing and developing radiographic studies.

Arrests dental decay by applying fluorides and other cavity- preventing agents.

Helps dentist manage dental and medical emergencies by maintaining CPR

certification, emergency drugs and oxygen supply, and directory of emergency
numbers.

Educates patients by giving oral hygiene and plaque control instructions and
postoperative instructions; providing reminders of time of next dental hygiene
visit.

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Documents dental hygiene services by recording vital signs and medical and
dental histories; charting in patient records.

Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping information

confidential.

Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures,

rules, and regulations.

Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and

protocols.

Ensures operation of dental equipment by completing preventive maintenance

requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting
malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating
new equipment and techniques.

Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational

workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks;
participating in professional societies.

Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

3. Requirements
Michigan Dental Hygiene License, Associates degree or equivalent from a 2 year
or technical school, Use of Dental Technology, Dental Health Maintenance,
Infection Control, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Bedside Manner, Creating
a Safe, Effective Environment, Listening, Teamwork, Administering Medication,
Thoroughness, Self-Development

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Job Advertisement
In an attempt to adequately staff Affordable Dental Services Clinic, local advertising and
national advertising was obtained. Advertisement rates were obtained through The Grand Rapids
Press/ MLive.com and the Journal of Dental Hygiene. According to MLive.com one thirty (30)
day online job posting costs $195. For the Journal of Dental Hygiene, one 30-day advertisement
is $380 with the option of having it bolded for $30. In an attempt to accurately provide a concise
advertisement, one has been created in the approximate size quoted and submitted (Appendix B).
There will be no advertising expense for the receptionist role, as the current receptionist
who is employed by Dr. Rupprecht has accepted the role of receptionist for the Affordable Dental
Services Clinic. The receptionist was approached and will be paid $12 per hour for her work.
Financial Information
The proposed budget (Appendix C) is subject to our clients being able to pay for the
services provided. There is a projected net income of $198 each month, which will be used to
provide services for those who are unable to pay. The charges for individual services are as
follows:

Cleanings and oral exam: $15.00

Fillings: $10.00/tooth

X-rays: $10.00

Simple extractions: $15.00/tooth

Sealants: $20.00 (only offered on clients less than 15 years of age)

Education about oral care (to include brushing & flossing) Free with exam

Simple supplies sent home with each client (toothpaste, toothbrush, floss) Free with exam

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The clinic space is being donated by Lake Street Dentistry, Dr. Erich Rupprecht, DDS.
Included in the use of this dental office will be use of the x-ray machines, flash sterilizer,
autoclave, exam supplies, use of filling resin material, fax machine, and general office supplies
needed. Sealant material will be paid for by the dental clinic fees, at a cost of $20.00 per client.
Two dentists have offered to volunteer their time each time the clinic is open, which is
scheduled for the first Saturday of each month, 9:00 AM-3:00PM. If either of these dentists are
unavailable, they have offered to find their own replacement. If the first Saturday of the month
falls on a holiday, the second Saturday of the month will be the dental clinic day.
Four dental hygienists will be needed each clinic day, for six hours each Saturday that the
clinic is open. Cost is $720 per Saturday (four hygienists, six hours each, at $30.00/hour). No
benefits will be provided.
One receptionist will be needed each clinic day, for six hours each Saturday that the clinic
is open. Cost is $72.00 per Saturday (one receptionist, six hours, at $12.00/hour). No benefits
will be provided.
The cost of the oral care kit that will be sent home with each patient is $2.00. We will
be able to purchase these supplies from Dr. Rupprechts office at their cost, which is their
wholesale price.
One dentist will be doing only oral exams the entire six hours, with one exam scheduled
every 15 minutes. He will see 24 patients during the clinic hours and this will generate $360 in
fees. Two hygienists will be assigned with this dentist to complete the cleanings and education.
X-rays will be done on all patients seen for an exam, generating $240 in fees.
The second dentist will be doing only fillings and extractions the entire six hours, with
one patient scheduled every 30 minutes. He will see 12 patients (as deemed necessary from the

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exams from Dentist #1) during the clinic hours, and this will generate approximately $540 total,
which would be an average of three fillings and one extraction per client. Two hygienists will be
assigned with this dentist to assist with procedures. These two hygienists will apply sealants, and
an estimated four clients will be receiving sealants per Saturday, which will generate $80.00.
As a gesture of appreciation for the dentists who volunteer as well as the employees,
lunch will be provided out of the clinic budget. The receptionist will be responsible for ordering
lunch from a nearby restaurant, staying within the budgeted amount.
There is a one-time expense of $575.00 for advertising for dental hygienists to hire. This
expense will be averaged out over 12 months in the fiscal year budget.
In summary, the mission of the Affordable Dental Services Clinic is to improve the
overall health of communities by offering dental care for those in need. The development of this
organization addresses the needs of low income and uninsured families in Montcalm County.
After review of the goals, mission statement, philosophy and organizational charts, it is obvious
that a dental clinic with quality care is needed in this community.

References

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Chapter 10: Factors Affecting Oral Health over the Life Span. (n.d.). Retrieved
April 5, 2015, from
http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/DataStatistics/SurgeonGeneral/sgr/chap10.ht
m
Mid-Michigan District Health Department. (2011). Community Health Assessment; Montcalm
County Health Profile 2011. Retrieved November 2, 2014.
Yoder-Wise, P.S. (2014). Leading and managing in nursing (5th ed.) St. Louis, MO: Elsevier
Mosby.

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Appendix A

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Appendix B

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Appendix C

Operating Revenue
Exam Fees
X-Ray Fees
Filling/Extraction
Fees

Jan
360
240

Feb
360
240

Mar
360
240

540

540

540

Apr May
360 360
240 240

Jun
360
240

Jul
360
240

Aug
360
240

Sep
360
240

Oct
360
240

Nov
360
240

Dec
360
240

540

540

540

540

540

540

540

540

540

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Sealants
Total Revenue

80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
1220 1220 1220 1220 1220 1220 1220 1220 1220 1220 1220 1220

Operating Expenses
Hygienist Salaries
Receptionist Salary
Lunch
Oral Hygiene Kits
Sealant Supplies
Advertising
Total Expenses

720 720 720 720 720 720 720 720 720 720 720 720
72
72
72
72
72
72
72
72
72
72
72
72
54
54
54
54
54
54
54
54
54
54
54
54
48
48
48
48
48
48
48
48
48
48
48
48
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
48
48
48
48
48
48
48
48
48
48
48
48
1022 1022 1022 1022 1022 1022 1022 1022 1022 1022 1022 1022

Net Income

198

198

198

198

198

198

198

198

198

198

198

198