DEPARTMENT: Health
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Colleen M. Bridger, MPH, PhD
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Authorizing a Dental Service Agreement with AVANCE-San Antonio, Inc. for the provision of oral health services to Head Start enrollees.
SUMMARY:
This Ordinance authorizes an agreement with AVANCE-San Antonio, Inc. (AVANCE) for AVANCE to provide up to $31,000.00 to the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) for the provision of oral health services to Head Start enrollees for a term beginning September 1, 2020 and terminating August 31, 2021.
Metro Health will be providing an in-kind match of up to $6,200.00.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On an annual basis, the Metro Health Dental Program provides diagnostic and preventive care to more than 22,000 children living in poverty by providing services in non-traditional settings, such as Head Start, and on campuses of local Title I elementary schools. Through these programs, many children are identified with additional dental treatment needs beyond the scope of Metro Health services. Case management services are provided by Metro Health dental staff to assist participating children receive needed treatment and to connect families to a source of ongoing care in the community. Approximately 28% of children enrolled in the City’s Head Start Program are not covered through Texas Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP). During the 2019-2020 school year, more than 200 children enrolled in the program were identified with untreated tooth decay. Through this dental services agreement with AVANCE-San Antonio, Inc. Metro Health will provide oral health assessments and preventive care to include fluoride varnish applications for children enrolled in Head Start Program. Metro Health will also provide virtual oral health education for parents of children enrolled in remote learning with the Head Start Program. Head Start is a federally-funded program that provides day care, education, child development, nutrition and social services, health and disability assessment and parent involvement, both on a full and part-time basis. This program is designed to serve children ages 3 to 5 years whose parents’ income meets Administration for Child, Youth and Families Guidelines.
ISSUE:
Metro Health requests City Council authorize a Dental Service Agreement with AVANCE-San Antonio, Inc. for the provision of oral health services to Head Start enrollees. Access to early evaluations, preventive care and oral health education for Head Start children improves the oral and overall health of this vulnerable population. In addition, oral health assessments are required by federal guidelines for the Head Start program and are necessary to ensure that all children enrolled in the program gain access to quality dental care and that those identified with unmet dental needs are referred to an appropriate dental provider for comprehensive treatment. Furthermore, Metro Health and AVANCE-San Antonio are prepared to serve as a resource and provide virtual education to families if children can only attend the program virtually due to COVID-19.
ALTERNATIVES:
If this Ordinance is not authorized, Metro Health will be unable to seek reimbursement for preventive services to include dental screenings, fluoride varnish applications, virtual oral health education and case management to children enrolled in Head Start Programs through AVANCE-San Antonio, Inc. Additionally, AVANCE-San Antonio, Inc. would be forced to find an alternate means to provide the required oral health assessments to Head Start enrollees.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Metro Health is requesting City Council authorization of an agreement with AVANCE-San Antonio, Inc. for the period September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021. Through the Dental Service Agreement, Metro Health will receive funding in an amount up to $31,000.00. Funding generated through this agreement is for the direct reimbursement for services. Metro Health will be providing an in-kind match of up to $6,200.00. There will be no additional impact on the City’s General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of an Ordinance authorizing an agreement with AVANCE-San Antonio, Inc. for the provision of oral health services to Head Start enrollees in an amount of up to $31,000.00 for the period September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021.