Forging Partnerships: Interprofessional Collaboration in School-Based Dental Programs for Migrant Children with ECC — Case Study

Abstract

Background In the past year, New York City has witnessed an influx of over 90,000 asylum seekers, with approximately 14,000 children enrolling in public schools. The Bringing Smiles to NYC Schools (Bringing Smiles) school-based dental program is instrumental in addressing their healthcare needs, as many of these children arrive with untreated rampant caries due to limited prior dental access.Case Description This case report examines the dental treatment of a 5-year-old Hispanic migrant child suffering from severe childhood caries, marked by multiple smooth surface lesions affecting the majority of her primary teeth. It underscores a comprehensive approach to caries management in high-risk populations and emphasizes the essential role of interprofessional collaboration. Our dental team worked closely with the school nurse practitioner and social worker to navigate and mitigate the numerous barriers to dental care faced by asylum seeker populations. These barriers include lack of insurance and permanent residency, communication challenges, diverse cultural beliefs, and fluctuating work commitments. This collaborative effort not only addressed the child’s immediate dental needs but also created a supportive framework for promoting sustained oral health within migrant communities.

Keywords

• Dental caries
• migrant children
• interprofessional collaboration
• access to dental care
• school-based programs
• healthcare barriers