Working closely with personnel affiliated with facilities or programs where you would like to provide dental services is important for improved efficiency and effectiveness. Much time can be lost if a patient hasn't been premedicated with a recommended antibiotic, if health history and consent forms have not been signed, or if a person isn't ready for an appointment.

A variety of staff may be instrumental in facilitating care, including administrators, physicians, nurses, social workers, teachers, child health workers, community health aides and nursing aides.  A specifically identified and trained "dental liaison" can be especially helpful in coordinating all aspects of the dental visits and care program including:

• Assisting in scheduling the facility and individuals
• Determining eligibility for services
• Coordinating the flow of patients
• Assisting with wheelchair transfers and behavior management
• Managing dental consent and history forms,
• Routing reports of dental visits
• Communicating with family members and site staff
• Assuring availability of the work area, and making arrangements to have it cleaned before and after on-site clinic days
• Following up on recommendations or referrals; case management
• Record keeping
• Providing medical and dental charts (if kept in the facility) and assisting in record keeping
• Assisting with OSHA, HIPAA, and other regulatory requirements
• Identifying changes in medical condition, mental status and guardianship
• Working with the dental provider in communicating essential treatment information to families and/or guardians of patients.

Given the importance of the dental liaison to facilitate quality dental care, try to identify individuals who can be responsible, successful and good communicators. A reward or incentive system may provide a special impetus for staff members already performing many other program and/or facility tasks.