The Integration of Oral Health Services in a Nurse Practitioner-Led Primary Care Clinic

Abstract

Given oral health is an integral part of overall health; an interdisciplinary approach to clinical care is needed to achieve optimum health. Implementing a model in which oral health care services are integrated into primary care settings holds promise for achieving better overall health. The purpose of this study was to investigate an integrated care model to improve patient-centered outcomes. Secondary data from a nurse practitioner-led primary care clinic was assessed to determine the impact on patient-centered outcomes: access to care, preventive oral health services, oral health quality of life and patient satisfaction. Results revealed patients who visited the clinic either lived or worked within five miles, were satisfied with the services provided by the clinic, considered their oral health quality of life good, had a positive experience and were generally satisfied with the care received.