Pros and Cons

Dental Clinic Comparison Chart: Capacity and Costs for Fixed Clinics, Mobile Clinics and Clinics Using Portable Equipment


Mode of Dental Care Delivery	Pros	Cons
Fixed Clinic Facility Indications: community-based clinic	community-based if space is available and adequate for a clinic: greater potential to optimize facility design and staffing (efficient and productive) on-site lab and x-ray can be co-located with other healthcare clinics potential for sharing resources (e.g., waiting room, business office staff) storage capacity for supplies and patient records continuity of care	services limited to single geographic area occupancy costs patient transportation issues need for low-income clients to leave work, which may be difficult if available space is inadequate, it may force inefficient clinic design to fit space
Mobile: Self-Contained Motorized Van Indications: schools rural areas assisted living facilities skilled nursing facilities group homes housing projects other congregate settings (e.g., Head Start, day care) migrant farmworker families	serve multiple populations in broad geographic areas (go where services are needed), many of which would not be able to support a fixed clinic few limitations on locations high visibility of program potential funders: side of van becomes a "moving billboard" advertisement for funder potential users: name recognition the extent of limitations may depend on size (typical size = 25'- 40' in length) on-site lab and x-ray possible	initial costs/operating costs may be higher increased coordination required may not be seen as "community-based" community misperceptions and sometimes misused (e.g., perceptions of "emergency only" treatment) continuity of care issues (e.g., "dental home" and emergency care after van has left community) may have challenges finding providers space may limit staff and productivity limited space for supplies and records may be adversely affected by weather conditions (e.g., cold, ice, extreme heat) security/storage of vehicle/trailer maintenance of vehicle/trailer maneuverability (e.g., tight driving conditions on narrow streets) fuel: if you run out, you're down regulatory compliance (Americans with Disabilities Act, fire, etc.) waste disposal (particularly hazardous materials) need driver or training for dental staff to drive increased risk for liability (e.g., motor vehicle accident)
Mobile: Trailer (Non-motorized) areas that are secure and allow trailer to park for a period of time, such as schools or community centers	less expensive than motorized van design more flexible than self-contained van (no cab to deal with) less maintenance than self-contained van (no drive train) other advantages are same as motorized van	need to contract with hauler or tow behind truck size would limit where it can be parked and maneuvered unable to move at short notice many of the same disadvantages as mobile van
Portable Equipment homebound schools rural assisted living facilities skilled nursing facilities group homes housing projects other congregate settings (e.g., Head Start, day care) migrant farmworker families hospitals	initial costs lower can serve multiple communities adaptable to community changes (can leave a community if an access to care solution is found) can "go where the people are located" can expand options of a fixed facility or mobile clinic least expensive capital investment greatest versatility (reduces physical barriers) relatively light many options for combinations of equipment maintenance sometimes easier transportability	time and effort in packing and unpacking supplies and equipment each time increased coordination required may not be seen as "community-based" environmental issues (light, temp, humidity) reduced efficiency (e.g., lower capacity of vacuum and air compressor) generator noise requires space in facility access to proper utilities waste disposal (particularly hazardous materials) range of services restricted discomfort - patient and practitioner ergonomics staff recruitment and retention equipment durability unlikely to have on-site lab services and equipment x-ray processing is limited storage needed for records, supplies additional staff responsibilities (e.g., moving equipment)

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