About four out of 10 Maine children didn't have consistent dental coverage in 2020, and about half the children who do have coverage are not using their dental benefits. Disparities for children covered under Medicaid often leave this population with disproportionately less access to care. Additionally, many traditional dental practices do not accept children until age 3 or later, leaving children in the most vulnerable state in dental development without access to preventive care. 

Because of this, integrating oral health into children's primary care as early as possible is vital to ensuring a healthier life into adulthood. 

At MCD Global Health (MCD), we implement different initiatives to improve oral health and overall health. Our teams provide routine screenings and sealants to children in Maine schools and beyond, coordinating with health partners in exploring innovative approaches to increase access to care. 

One such initiative that was launched this year is called the Virtual Dental Home (VPH) Program. In collaboration with the Children's Oral Health Network of Maine, our team is developing a prototype for a fully integrated medical-dental health care model utilizing virtual dental home technology. 

In this podcast episode, Courtney Vannah, the VDH Program’s manager at MCD, talks with Katie Corder, senior communications associate at MCD, about this innovative and important program and what residents in Maine can expect from this virtual dental care initiative.

Learn more: https://mcd.org/news/podcast-increasing-access-dental-care-telehealth-technology

Increasing Access to Dental Care Through Telehealth Technology

MCD Global Health (MCD) is a public health nonprofit recognized as a leader, innovator, and trusted partner in the design, implementation, and assessment of high-quality, accessible, and enduring public health programs around the world. 

We work in 20 countries including the United States, various African countries, and Latin America with more than 500 team members working to improve the health and well-being of people through various means.