VCU Dental School Improves Emergency Oral Care Access

Urgent Care Clinic Sees Dramatic Increase in Patient Numbers

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry has reported a significant surge in emergency dental care provision through its Urgent Care Clinic. The facility, which opened its doors in 2017, has experienced a remarkable 43% increase in walk-in appointments over the past year, addressing a critical need for urgent oral health care in the region. Chad Lockhart, President of VCU Dental Care, attributes this growth to a renewed focus on improving operational efficiency. “We made a goal to see every patient on the same day,” Lockhart stated, emphasising the clinic’s commitment to prompt care delivery.

Innovative Approaches to Patient Management

The clinic has implemented several strategic changes to enhance patient experience and streamline services. These include:

1. Improved triage processes
2. Enhanced check-in procedures
3. Better referral systems to specialty clinics
   Donnie Parris, director of patient business services, explained: “We changed the check-in process so we could do pre-triage of the patients. Staff members will refer them to the clinic or to oral surgery. That increased capacity at the same time.”
   This approach has yielded impressive results, with the Oral and Facial Surgery Clinic more than doubling its caseload. Lockhart noted, “Last July alone, there was a 166% increase in surgery cases.”

Examining Opioid Prescriptions Preceding Emergency Dental Visits

Bridging the Gap in Dental Care Access

The VCU School of Dentistry plays a crucial role in providing oral health care to underserved populations. As the largest provider of dental services for Medicaid-insured patients in Virginia, the school has seen a substantial increase in demand since the state expanded Medicaid dental benefits for adults in July 2021.

Dr Lyndon Cooper, Dean of the School of Dentistry, underscored the importance of their services: “Treatment of emergency patients is an important learning opportunity and one needed to gain the experiences needed to become a well-rounded professional. At VCU, we are focused on how we can operate as efficiently as possible to serve the overwhelming demand from our community.”

Educational Benefits for Dental Students

The Urgent Care Clinic not only serves patients but also provides valuable learning experiences for dental students. Dr David Sarrett, former Dean and current adjunct faculty member, supervises fourth-year dental students during their rotations in the clinic.

“The Urgent Care Clinic reinforces the importance of following a systematic protocol and developing an evidence-based treatment plan,” Sarrett explained. He emphasised the need for students to balance prompt care with thorough evaluation to avoid unnecessary treatments.

Technological Advancements in Patient Care

In a bid to further improve access and efficiency, the clinic is piloting an innovative scheduling system. This includes a QR code and mobile app for priority scheduling, developed in collaboration with their electronic health record provider, Axium.

Lockhart enthusiastically described the potential impact: “This new technology will allow patients to make an appointment at the convenience of their schedule. Confirmations can be sent and accepted via text and email, and all of their medical records will automatically be available to their provider if they are existing patients. It will change the way we do patient care throughout the building.”

Looking to the Future

As VCU School of Dentistry continues to evolve its services, the focus remains on balancing educational opportunities with community needs. With a 97% first-time pass rate for board exams among its students, the school is committed to maintaining its reputation for producing highly skilled dental professionals while serving as a vital “safety net” for patients struggling to access dental care.

The success of the Urgent Care Clinic demonstrates the potential for academic institutions to play a pivotal role in addressing public health challenges, setting a benchmark for emergency dental care provision across the United States.