Pact will provide for
dental care on Maui
The state Department of Human Services has joined with Maui Community College to use federal funds to improve oral health services for Maui residents.
Human Services Director Lillian Koller said the funds will give Medicaid clients on Maui dental services beyond what the program provides.
"Thanks to this valuable collaboration, our customers will get the dental care they need while dental students receive the critical training that will help them in their future careers," she said.
The Hawaii State Primary Care Association, in a 2001 Oral Health Report, said 40 percent of Maui residents received adequate-quality dental health services. Many had to fly to Oahu to obtain proper care.
The agreement will allow Maui Community College dental students to apply their training, and enable the Human Services Department to evaluate how accessible and affordable oral health services help people on public assistance find and keep jobs, Koller said.
Dental services will be offered through the college's Maui Oral Health Center in Wailuku. A 40-foot Mobile Care Van also will travel around the island to provide dental services to clients who cannot go to the center.
The Human Services Department will refer clients who receive financial assistance or are eligible for Medicaid to the community college, and it will reimburse the college for the services.