Cost analysis of the Miles of Smiles Program, a school-based preventive oral health program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide a cost analysis of the Miles of Smiles Program, a collaboration between the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Dentistry and the Olathe School District. This preventive program was implemented to address the access to oral health care issues that affect low income children within the school district. The analysis of the program utilized an inventory list and an existing de-identified database to determine the costs associated with operating the program throughout the 2008-2009 school term. Costs related to equipment, supplies, and personnel were included. The results of the analysis revealed that the cost of operating the program during 2008-2009 was $107,515.74. The program received Medicaid reimbursement for approximately 1.5% of the total cost of operating the program and approximately 6.3% of the amount produced through billable services; however, challenges with submitting and billing Medicaid claims for the first time contributed to this low percentage of reimbursement. It was determined that for the program to be sustainable, continuous external sources of funding or a change in the program design would be necessary.