MCNA is committed to ensuring the linguistic and cultural needs of our members are met through the incorporation of Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) into our dynamic Quality Improvement Program. This program guides the activities of our Quality Improvement Department and the services provided through our Member Hotline.

The National CLAS Standards were developed and designed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of Minority Health to serve as a "blueprint" for dental and health care organizations and providers to guide them in providing the care and services necessary to overcome cultural and linguistic barriers. They serve as the guideline that MCNA follows to ensure the delivery of effective, understandable, and respectful services to members.

Some of the ways in which we work toward meeting CLAS standards include regular engagement in targeted community outreach activities and the creation of easy-to-read oral health educational and member materials in the major languages of our member populations. We also offer the following services and assistance to our members through our Member Hotline:

• Access to trained, professional interpreters for face-to-face interpretation during dental visits
• Access to Member Hotline Representatives who speak languages other than English
• Interpretation services via telephone available 24/7 in over 200 languages
• TTY/TDD access available 24/7 to individuals with a hearing impairment
• Scheduling assistance provided by Member Hotline Representatives upon request

MCNA is committed to meeting CLAS standards to eliminate healthcare disparities and improve the overall quality of care and services received by our members. For more information about CLAS, please visit the Office of Minority Health website. If you would like to learn more about how to access the services listed above, please call our Provider Hotline at 1-855-776-6262 (8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Central Time, Monday through Friday).