Integrative and collaborative care models between pediatric oral health and primary care providers: a scoping review of the literature

Abstract

ObjectivesCollaborative and/or integrative care between oral health and primary care providers can increase access to care to a more expansive population, helping to mitigate oral health related disease. The objective of this review was to present and evaluate different types of care models that exist between oral health and primary care providers in pediatric settings.MethodsA literature search was conducted using five databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source, Cochrane Database, and EMBASE, to identify literature from January 1990 to January 2016. Combinations of controlled terms were utilized. Eligible sources targeted pediatric populations ages 1‐17 and provided descriptions of existing collaborative and/or integrative models.ResultsData related to the practice model, oral care provided, level of integration/collaboration and workflow were extracted. Sixteen articles were included that discussed 24 models of collaboration. These models provided ranges of services, but each offered a minimum of oral health risk assessment, oral health instruction, topical fluoride application and assessment for further treatment. These models included different levels of collaboration based off a ranking system created by the authors with 16.6 percent (4) classified as low, 54.2 percent (13) as medium and 29.2 percent (7) as high.ConclusionsExisting care models offered varying services and levels of integration and/or collaboration, but each offered a baseline of oral care. Most of these collaborations were based within Federally Qualified Health Centers and aimed to ease access to care issues.