- Continuing Progress in the Fight against the Opioid Crisis
- HHS Announces Over $4 Billion in Additional Relief Payments to Healthcare Providers Impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic
- USDA Announces Community Prosperity Funding Opportunity
- HHS Awards More Than $21 Million to Support Health Centers' COVID-19 Response
- How Is Rural Philanthropy Responding to COVID-19? Under the Radar.
- In Migrant Worker Camps, Wifi Is a Basic Utility
- Request for Information (RFI): Seeking Stakeholder Input on Scientific Gaps and Research Needs Related to Delivery of Cancer-related Care via Telehealth
- How the Pandemic Revealed an Unexpected Benefit of Telehealth
- The Nation's Doctor to America: #COVIDStopsWithMe
- Indian Health Service Announces National Expansion of the Community Health Aide Program
- How Small Towns Are Responding to the Global Pandemic
- Hospital Executive Charged in $1.4B Rural Hospital Billing Scheme
- Secretary DeVos Challenges Educators to Rethink Education Options for Rural High School Students Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
- FCC Announces Funding Increase in Rural Health Care Program for Funding Year 2020
- Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunity
National Report: Prevalence of Tooth Loss Among Older Adults
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released “Prevalence of Tooth Loss Among Older Adults: United States, 2015-2018.” The data was collected using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The prevalence of complete tooth loss among adults aged 65 and over was 12.9% in 2015-2018. Complete tooth loss can diminish quality of life, limiting food choices and impeding social interaction.
New Dental Therapy Advocacy Resource Published
Community Catalyst has published a new resource on advancing community-centered oral health policy, “Dental Therapy Advocacy: Community Engagement Guide.” The resource offers general information about the importance of community engagement, policy provisions, and guidelines/suggestions for advocates and funders. While this guide focuses on dental therapy, the resource can be useful for all oral health advocates.
FDA Reissues EUAs on Decontaminating Respirators
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reissuing certain emergency use authorizations (EUAs) to specify which respirators are appropriate for decontamination. Based on the FDA’s increased understanding of the performance and design of these respirators, the FDA has decided that certain respirators should not be decontaminated for reuse by healthcare personnel.
New Resource on Nutrition and Oral Health Available
The National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center recently published “Nutrition and Oral Health: A Resource Guide.” Nutrition and diet can affect overall health and well-being as well as the development and integrity of the oral cavity and the progression of oral diseases. Likewise, oral disease impacts the ability to eat and nutrition status. Caries-causing bacteria in the mouth use sugar in food to make acid that can break down tooth surfaces and create tooth decay.
Comments Requested on Interventions for Tobacco Smoking Cessation In Adults
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force seeks comments on a draft recommendation statement and draft evidence review on interventions for tobacco smoking cessation in adults, including pregnant persons. The Task Force recommends clinicians ask about tobacco use and connect people to proven, safe methods to help them quit. The evidence is unclear whether e-cigarettes help adults quit smoking. More research is needed on the benefits and harms of using medications to help pregnant people quit. The draft recommendation statement and draft evidence review are available for review and public comment until June 29, 2020.
Pennsylvania Human Services Department Releases Bulletin on PPE Charges
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services released a bulletin on Friday, June 12, with the purpose of advising providers that Medical Assistance (MA, the state’s Medicaid program) beneficiaries may not be charged for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used in connection with medical or dental services.
ADA Guidance Released on Patient COVID-19 Exposure After Treatment
Finding out that a patient or close family member has tested positive for COVID-10 after their dental appointment can be a cause for concern for providers and anyone else in the office who may have interacted with the patient during the appointment. The American Dental Association (ADA) created a document to help guide providers through what they should do if someone in the practice tests positive for COVID-19.
Pennsylvania Oral Health Plan 2020-2030 Draft Published
We are pleased to present a draft of the Pennsylvania Oral Health Plan 2020-2030. We invite you to review the document and welcome any comments and suggestions on behalf of yourself or your organization.
Please submit your comments and suggestions using this link.
Comments are due by Thursday, June 25th at 12 p.m.
Keep in mind this is a high-level document. Specific programming and action plans will be established on an annual basis with continuous input from stakeholders.
We hope to continue the conversation and look forward to your participation and support for the implementation of this plan in the coming years.
Click here to view the Pennsylvania Oral Health Plan 2020-2030 Draft.
Click here to submit comments and suggestions.
Updated Pennsylvania Dental Guidance: June 3, 2020
The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued updated guidance for dental providers in the state on Wednesday, June 3.
The CDC’s Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) call last week focused on “Guidance for Dental Settings During the COVID-19 Response.” The call provided a great overview of the CDC guidelines for infection control in the dental office.
Click here to view the 6/3 PA DOH guidance.
Click here to watch the CDC COCA recording.
LGBTQIA+ Network Response Team Survey
The LGBTQIA-network response team with the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN) is asking oral health care providers to complete a short survey related to the LGBTQIA community. They want to gain a better understanding of current attitudes, knowledge, and beliefs within the oral health care network. Responses are confidential and participation is voluntary.