AFC’s Commitment to Expanding Access to Oral Healthcare

In 2021, 28% of AFC’s medical patients engaged in dental care. Of those dental patients, only 30% completed their treatment plans. Recognizing an opportunity for improvement, we embarked on a multi-year vision to enhance integration between our medical and dental programs and devise effective strategies to mitigate treatment barriers.

The dedicated efforts towards achieving these goals yielded exciting results: by 2023, we had seen a near doubling of medical patient engagement with our oral health program coupled with a significant increase in dental treatment plan completion rates!

Looking ahead, the next phase of our vision for dental at AFC involves integrating innovative technology – including a recently acquired intraoral scanner – and forging new partnerships with mission-aligned labs to bring down costs. Additionally, we are committed to adopting sustainable fee practices and bolstering resources to meet the growing demand. This strategic approach aims to further elevate the quality and accessibility of dental care at AFC, reinforcing the recognition of oral health as an integral component of comprehensive healthcare.

As I approach my 90-day mark at Arlington Free Clinic, I am filled with immense pride to lead this amazing organization during its 30th Anniversary year! We have achieved full staffing, which is remarkable for any healthcare provider, and we are seeing the results of purposeful integration of our varied patient services. Notably, our dental clinic is bustling with around 250 visits per month, and we can now schedule psychiatry appointments within a week of referral. As I look to our shared goals for the year – raising awareness about AFC in the community, strengthening partnerships to address the non-medical needs of the people we serve, and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of charitable giving – I am inspired by the profound legacy entrusted to me.

First, while support for AFC is deep and wide thanks to so many supporters, partners, funders, and volunteers, there are still many in the community who remain unaware of our vital work. With the events surrounding our 30th Anniversary year, we are determined to spread the word and showcase the great impact of our staff and volunteers.

As we raise awareness about AFC, we also aim to establish those critical connections within the broader safety-net in Arlington. Recognizing the significant impact of nonmedical factors on overall well-being, we are committed to addressing the holistic needs of our patients. Our goal is to continue to gain insight into these needs through enhanced screenings and other outreach and to strengthen partnerships that improve the welfare of our patients.

Finally, the philanthropic funding world is constantly evolving, requiring AFC to remain agile and responsive. With 90% of our support coming from private sources, we are deeply grateful for the trust and generosity of our donors. A commitment to transparency and impact will continue to guide our efforts as we demonstrate to supporters how their investments in AFC make a meaningful difference in our patients’ lives and foster a healthier community.

From where I stand 90 days into my tenure, I see that AFC has a unique opportunity to promote the health and well-being of the people we serve while advocating for their broader needs. I thank you for engaging with our work and for all you do to invest in AFC’s vital mission!

It has always been part of the model at Arlington Free Clinic to be tuned in and responsive to the non-medical needs of our patients. From our very early days, it was part of the role of a nurse manager at AFC to listen for needs “beyond the exam room” and do what you could to alleviate by offering resources for supplemental food or eviction assistance, for example, in between blood pressure readings and flu shots.

In 2018, we embarked on a significant shift towards addressing our patients’ SDOH needs in a more systematic and intentional way. Thanks to the support of Northern Virginia Health Foundation, a collaborative effort was established between Arlington Free Clinic, the VHC Health Outpatient Clinic, Neighborhood Health Pediatrics (formerly VHC Health Pediatrics), and Arlington County DHS Maternal & Child Health. Together, these partner clinics developed a SDOH screening tool that has enabled us to collect and analyze
deidentified data on our patients’ nonmedical needs, and use this information to advocate for enduring, systemic changes that promote the broader health and well-being of our community. To make this information accessible for patient care, VHC Health and AFC worked to bring the SDOH screening tool into our shared EHR system (Epic).

This year marks a pivotal moment as we leverage the integration of our SDOH screening tool in Epic to give clinicians easy access to information regarding patients’ social needs. Previously, our EHR did not incorporate patients’ responses to questions related to financial concerns, transportation barriers, housing instability, and food insecurity – or areas such as physical activity levels and social connections. With this vital information now embedded in the EHR, it can be readily accessed to inform clinicians’ evaluations of patients’ whole-health needs and guide the development of more patient-centered plans of care.

While our clinicians have always been aware of the impact of non-medical factors on their patients’ health, easier access to this information allows them to see a more complete picture – and actively engage in collecting and utilizing the information. Furthermore, the integration of this data into Epic facilitates its sharing beyond the walls of AFC to encompass all members of a patient’s care team, whether at VHC or any other Epic facility where care is provided. This fosters continuity and maximizes the impact of our efforts to address SDOH within our community.