FY 24 Budget Q&A #041: Who receives what dental services from which providers and what services do other jurisdictions provide?
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Question: Who receives what dental services from which providers and what services do other jurisdictions provide? (Mayor Wilson, Councilman Aguirre)
Response:
The City of Alexandria is a party in the Northern Virginia Dental Clinic Regional Memorandum of Agreement with Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church, and a small percentage of Prince William County. This Memorandum of Agreement memorializes the City’s contribution of $25,000 for dental services to low-income adults referred by the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS).
The Northern Virginia Dental Clinic (NVDC) is located in Fairfax County. It offers a full range of dentistry services (examinations, treatment plans, fillings, full and partial dentures, cleanings, extractions, crowns, and root canals) to City residents who are 18 years or older and their household’s income does not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Since 2000, DCHS has subsidized all initial routine and emergency dental appointments, full and partial dentures, and other dental appliances. The initial and emergency visits have a fee of $50.00, and the cost for all other services varies. Alexandria is the only jurisdiction that provides additional financial assistance for appointments and services. Additional information on the Northern Virginia Dental Clinic’s operations is detailed in the attached 2022 Annual Report (Attachment 1).
Neighborhood Health, soon to be co-located with DCHS, also provides oral health services (education, examinations, fillings, extractions, pulpotomies, and cleanings). Currently, Neighborhood Health serves existing adult patients and only accepts new patients under the age of 14.
Services in Other Jurisdictions
Fairfax County, City of Fairfax, City of Falls Church, and a small percentage of Prince William County utilize services through the Northern Virginia Dental Clinic agreement for their residents.
Arlington County, in addition to referring to Northern Virginia Dental Clinic and non-profit providers, has their own dental clinic and adult dental program. Below are highlights of Arlington’s dental clinic and adult dental program:
Dental Clinic: Dental services are provided for children through high school age and adults 60 years of age and older. This program supports children and seniors, and they must meet income guidelines, have no dental insurance, and have annual reviews. Services include:
• Preventive and diagnostic procedures
• Examinations
• X-rays
• Fluoride treatments
• Prophylaxis (prevention of or protective treatment for disease)
• Sealants (protective coatings put on teeth)
• Fillings
• Simple extractions
Adult Dental Program: Arlington provides referral for adults 18-59 years in need of dental care. Services include:
• Referrals to the Northern Virginia Dental Clinic and other resources
• Northern Virginia Dental Clinic initial visit costs $50 and must be prepaid by cash or money order (no personal checks) at time of referral
• 13 new patient appointment slots are available each month
• Follow up visits will be scheduled through the Northern Virginia Dental Clinic (Criteria: For referrals to the Northern Virginia Dental Clinic, client and/or a member of the household must currently be in another Department of Human Services (DHS) program with a current eligibility or service program with an ongoing DHS provider).
• Referrals for dental services must be made by a Customer Service Center Consultant
Loudoun County, in addition to referring to Northern Virginia Dental Clinic, provides dental services through the Loudoun County Health Department.
The Health Department provides a variety of dental services, including dental referrals, oral cancer screenings, information on dental health techniques, dental screening in Loudoun County schools, and adult dental emergency care. Services for citizens 21 years old and younger who meet income eligibility criteria, include:
