Expert Advisor Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the role of an Expert Advisor?
A: Expert Advisors serve as the leading force in the provision of technical assistance practice assessments for safety net dental programs. They will oversee all phases of the dental practice assessment process, which includes data collection, data analysis, development of findings and recommendations, and creating practice enhancement plans for each individual dental program. An Expert Advisor will use their expertise to lead each community health center through the process of creating positive change within the practice. After providing the dental practice with a practice enhancement plan, Expert Advisors will continue to provide support to the dental programs during the implementation phase of the practice enhancement process, giving the safety net programs easy access to their expertise and support. Throughout the implementation process and upon completion of an assessment, Expert Advisors are responsible for compiling key evaluation data from the sites they assessed and sending that information back to SNS Central.

Q: Who is eligible to become an Expert Advisor?
A: To fill the role of Expert Advisors, the Safety Net Solutions program is seeking highly qualified dental professionals who share our commitment and passion for community health dentistry, and who have the experience, credibility, personality, career achievements and track record of accomplishment to enhance the success of this national improvement initiative. Additionally, Expert Advisors need to be open-minded, energetic, team players, and display excellent communication skills.

Q: What does the process for becoming an SNS Expert Advisor entail?
A: After completing the application and reference process, Expert Advisors will then participate in a training program that will teach the Safety Net Solutions model of providing practice enhancement plans. There are currently two different SNS training models.

The first model, which we are working with in our 2009 expansion projects, will be to train regional and state Expert Advisors in the field while our Senior Expert Advisory team does the actual assessments and enhancements.

The second model for training Expert advisors will entail a convening at the Safety Net Solutions national office. This convening includes a two-to-three-day, hands-on program in which Expert Advisors are trained on the Safety Net Solutions model for providing practice enhancement plans. The first Expert Advisor convening will take place at the end of 2008.

Q: What is the time commitment associated with the duties of an Expert Advisor?
A: We estimate that each practice assessment will involve approximately 50 hours of work to complete. Those 50 hours will include at least two days working at the site where the assessment is taking place. The remainder of the time can be utilized during off-business hours or during free time. Once the assessment is complete, there is an additional 10 hours dedicated to the oversight of implementation, and an additional 5 hours for the evaluation of the assessment process and results. We anticipate that each Expert Advisor complete at least 3 clinics per year. However, the number of practice assessments an Expert Advisor completes is dependent upon the number of hours they can/want to devote to the project.

Q: Will Expert Advisors receive compensation for their work?
A: Yes. Because Safety Net Solutions is seeking the expertise of highly qualified, experienced dental professionals, Expert Advisors will receive monetary compensation commensurate with the level of quality performance that is expected from professionals filling such an esteemed role. We realize that Expert Advisors may have to use their own vacation time to complete the assessment work, so we have built the Safety Net Solutions program to be sustainable based on the model of compensating Expert Advisors.

Note: The current Safety Net Solutions model includes a second professional to assist with the data collection and analysis, development of findings and recommendations, and logistical support provided to the safety net dental practice. The compensation provided for Expert Advisors allows each EA to hire such a second professional to assist with the assessments if they so choose.

Q: How many safety net dental programs will each Expert Advisor work with?
A: We estimate that each Expert Advisor work with 3-5 clinics per year. Again, the number of assessments an Expert Advisor completes is dependent upon many factors, including the time the EA is able or wants to devote to the project.

Q: What type of impact can an Expert Advisor have on America’s oral health safety net?
A: The Safety Net Solutions program is designed to have a SYSTEM wide impact on the oral health safety net delivery system. By creating a standardized system of technical assistance, identifying best practices, and communicating those results to our stakeholders. The Expert Advisor’s role is critical to reaching our ultimate goal of creating a nation-wide system improvement to delivery and access to oral health care for underserved populations. Expert Advisors will be the driving force for change within each safety net dental practice.