Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Dental Care Services for the Uninsured

Serious dental problems can affect the overall well-being of an individual. Therefore, Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Health Center collaborated with local organizations to develop the Caring Smiles dental program. The program helps address critical oral health needs of uninsured and underinsured patients at a health care center in the poorest area of the city. Integrated into the health care center’s daily operations, the program has fostered the importance of good oral health by connecting primary care patients to dental services and accepting all patients.

This case study is part of the HANYS Triple Aim series highlighting how New York hospitals are improving health, enhancing quality and reducing costs. Hospitals, nursing homes and home care agencies across New York state are pursuing the Triple Aim. In spite of fiscal constraints, HANYS members are embracing the challenge of transforming health care and are implementing new and innovative approaches to delivery.