Harris County Hospital District

Helping Homeless Improve Oral Health

Dental care has become a marker of social disparity in our country—particularly for homeless individuals who lack facilities for brushing and flossing. In Harris County, Texas, more than 10,000 individuals are homeless at any given point in time. In an effort to improve access to comprehensive oral health treatment and to promote oral health literacy, Harris County Hospital District’s Healthcare for the Homeless Program implemented a mobile dental center to provide services in homeless shelters, day centers and transitional living facilities. Patients with more complex needs are referred to community health centers and receive bus tokens and cab vouchers. Staff members assess patients’ literacy levels and provide oral health education, including brochures on daily oral hygiene practices and hygiene packs to promote disease management.