Access to dental care is still a significant challenge for many uninsured children. To bridge this gap, the St. David’s Foundation Dental Program has implemented electronic consent (eConsent) forms, transforming how the program collects and uses data to expand access to care. This initiative allows the program to more accurately show and track uninsured students, enabling targeted outreach and prioritizing the communities most in need.  

Through robust data collection, the program analyzed consent return rates that showed trends that informed program strategies. Integrating eConsent forms into the workflow reduced administrative burdens while increasing scheduling and service delivery efficiency. The real-time tracking capabilities allowed for measuring success, adjusting outreach efforts, and continuously refining the approach for reaching the goal of a 30% consent return rate per school. However, some challenges arose during implementation, including finding a vendor compatible with the existing patient management software, addressing security concerns, monthly costs, and ensuring the eConsent could mirror the current paper consent forms while remaining user-friendly for the population we serve. Additionally, the program experienced a decline in enrollment.  

A key component of this initiative involved assessing how parents and caregivers interact with the eConsent process. Acknowledging challenges such as digital literacy, time constraints, and accessibility, the program has refined its approach to enhance convenience through diverse outreach strategies. This presentation will highlight the most effective strategies for boosting participation and improving data collection. These small, yet impactful adjustments demonstrate the program’s commitment to meeting families where they are and making the consent process as seamless as possible. The transition to eConsent forms was more than a technological upgrade—it was a strategic effort to reduce barriers to care, streamline operations, and enhance the effectiveness of the mobile dental program. Through data-driven insights, continuous learning, and innovative outreach, the goal is to ensure every child has access to the dental care they need, regardless of their insurance status. Overall, the program decreased the gaps in the data by an average of 32% in less than one year.  

Learning Objectives: Gain the ability to effectively use electronic forms to improve data collection, enhance clarity, streamline workflows, and improve reporting for informed decision-making. Explore effective outreach strategies customized to your program’s needs. Develop methods to overcome technical barriers with patients and engage with families without depending on school staff or conventional approaches. Show key shifts in work processes for stakeholders to foster greater efficiency, collaboration, and overall effectiveness.