Frequently Asked Questions

Getting started with our programs is easier than ever. To further assist you we have compiled some frequently asked questions.  Please select the category you wish to find an answer to your question. If we do not have it covered here, please let us know by clicking here.

Table of Contents

Click on the appropriate question below to find your answer.

Answers to Frequently-Asked Questions

How much does the program cost the school or facility?

The program is absolutely free to the school or facility.

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How much do the services cost the family?

There is no cost for children on Medicaid, S-Chips, and similar programs. For uninsured children, the "One More Child" Foundation offers donated services to a limited number of children.

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What dental services are provided in the mobile dental program vs. what generates a referral to an off-site clinic?

When clinically indicated and with parent permission, dental teams provide exams, digital x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, pulpotomies, stainless steel crowns, simple extractions, space maintainers, other clinically indicated procedures as well as oral hygiene instruction.  In some cases, a child needs more work than can be completed in a single session.  RHA will then complete the follow-up work at the next scheduled visit to the school.  If work must be completed even sooner, the patient may be transported to another school within the same school district where the dental team is scheduled at an earlier date.

There are children who may require services beyond what can be completed in a school setting and in other circumstances a child may be non-compliant.  In these cases, the patient must be treated off-site.  A referral specialist will notify the parent if this is the case and explain what services could not be completed at the school and/or whether the child needs to see a specialist.  RHA can also help the parent identify a referral practice upon request and RHA is happy to forward any supporting documentation (e.g., x-rays) to the referral location at no charge.

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How often does the dentist visit the school?

Dental visits are typically once every 4-8 weeks on days that are convenient for the school or facility, however this frequency can vary significantly depending on patient volume. The frequency can be adjusted so that all interested families can participate.

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What equipment does the team bring?

Dental teams bring the same type of equipment found in a typical dental office such as ultrasonic scaler for cleaning teeth, air-water syringe, drills (high and low speed), suction, and all necessary supplies and instruments.

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How much space in the school do you need?

Any room with a minimum of 180 square feet. A sink is not required in the room, but it is necessary that the space be cleaned daily and be somewhat private.  We have set up clinics on stages, nurse's office, classrooms, conference rooms, portables and other places that are compliant with our guidelines.

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What type of effort or resources are required from the school?

Very minimal. We require a space to operate in on the days we visit. We will set up and clean up the room ourselves. In some areas, a vehicle-based clinic can be used for schools with extreme space limitations. We handle all communication with parents so very little human resources are required by the school.

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Does ReachOut Healthcare America carry malpractice and general liability insurance?

Yes. We will list the district and/or facility as an Additional Insured on our insurance policies and provide a copy for your records. Furthermore, our liability limits meet or exceed any of those stipulated by our school/facility partners. We have never had any type of claim brought against us since the program's inception in 1997.

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Does the program comply with FERPA, HIPAA, OSHA, and other federal, state, and local laws?

Absolutely! We are happy to demonstrate this for you.

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What are the credentials of the mobile dentist?

All dentists are licensed and in excellent standing with state dental boards. Furthermore, team members are fingerprinted, have passed a state and federal background check, and have received "sensitivity training" on how to interact with children.

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Is the school or facility allowed to start or stop the program at will?

Yes. A school or facility may stop the program at any time in most cases. We do not require any contract of minimum duration for most facilities.

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Will the children be safe?

All clinical team members and mobile dentists have been fingerprinted and had a state and federal background check completed. All practitioners are licensed and in good standing with the applicable regulatory agencies.  In addition, because most patients are covered under Medicaid, we are subject to periodic audits to makes sure that children are receiving the appropriate level of dental care.

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