*Grant to aid NBHD's dental services for low-income residents
March 22, 2006
The North Broward Hospital District has received a grant of $186,000 from the Health Foundation of South Florida to help provide dental care to Broward's neediest residents.
Less than 9% of Broward's poorest residents received dental care in 2001, according to the Florida Department of Health. In the geographic area served by the North Broward Hospital District, that translates to an estimated 162,000 residents who do not have access to dental care.
The Health Foundation grant will aid in addressing the need by providing for a minimum of 4,700 visits each year for low-income patients. Patients who meet District eligibility requirements and are living below 200% of the federal poverty level must be certified in order to receive services. The grant supplements existing dental services provided by the North Broward Hospital District's Ambulatory Services division.
Currently, one full-time dentist, one part-time dentist and two dental technicians see nearly 300 patients per month at the dental clinics at Seventh Avenue Family Health Center and the Deerfield Beach High School Health Center. Most patients are referred by the District's primary care centers and disease management programs. Dental services also are provided for foster care children in the supervision of ChildNet, the county's child protection system. The grant will add a full-time dental hygienist and a full-time dental technician to the dental clinics. Expanding the staff will allow the dentists to focus on and increase the number of dental procedures, while the hygienist provides cleanings, fluoride treatments, x-rays and education. The technician will provide assistance to the dentist, and provide sterilization and maintenance of equipment.
For more information about this and other services provided by the North Broward Hospital District, please call 954 759-7400.
The North Broward Hospital District, providing service for more than 50 years, is a community health system offering a full spectrum of healthcare services. The District encompasses more than 30 healthcare facilities, including Broward General Medical Center, North Broward Medical Center, Imperial Point Medical Center, Coral Springs Medical Center, Chris Evert Children's Hospital and Weston Regional HealthPark. The District is a medical safety net for Broward County residents.
Health Foundation of South Florida, a not-for-profit grantmaking foundation, is dedicated to expanding access to affordable, quality health care and providing funding that directly benefits the health and well being of underserved individuals in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has awarded more than $61 million in grants and direct program support.
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