In 2024, Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin (the Alliance) was one of eight states and territories awarded a spot in the Maternal and Child Health – Improving Oral Health Integration Demonstrations Projects (MCH-IOHI Projects) funded by Health Resources & Services Administration. The purpose of this grant is to integrate preventive oral health care into primary care services for mothers, children and families in communities underserved by oral health care.
This grant builds upon several years of work toward medical dental integration (MDI) that began in June 2017 when Act 20 was signed into law in Wisconsin. This law expanded the settings where dental hygienists can work without the supervision of a licensed dentist, including medical clinics.
Wisconsin medical dental integration (WI MDI) is a care delivery model where registered dental hygienists join medical teams to provide early dental prevention and care during a primary care visit. Through this funding, we are guided by a national consortium of oral health experts, as well as the WI MDI advisory council of key partners who guide this work in Wisconsin.
Support for participating clinics
Clinics in Wisconsin who join as grantees are provided a stipend and technical help on data collection, quality improvement, implementation, oral health literacy and sustainability. They also join a learning group with other implementing clinics which is intended to provide a supportive space to share best practices and foster continuous learning and networking.
Oral health literacy is a core value of good MDI. Earlier this year, the oral health team launched a statewide survey on oral health literacy. Both medical and dental providers completed the survey, as well as other key partners in oral health, such as public health professionals. The survey included a wide variety of topics, ranging from oral health knowledge (e.g., “By what age should a child have their first dental visit?”) to communication practices. More than 112 people filled out the survey, and the oral health team is collaborating with scientists at the Medical College of Wisconsin to analyze the data. Based on what they learn from the survey, the oral health team will create learning opportunities for both medical and dental providers across Wisconsin using the Extension for Community Health care Outcomes model.
Get involved
Clinics interested in adding MDI to primary care can contact the oral health team to learn more. Connect with our team by emailing Program Manager, Amanda Bagin, MPH, CHES or Program Coordinator, Kasia Wiech, MS.