- New Federal Health IT Strategy Sets Sights on a Heathier, More Innovative, and More Equitable Health Care Experience
- The New Story of Old Age in Rural America: Neighbors and Community Lend a Hand
- Upcoming Virtual Workshop: Partnering for Success: Building Partnerships for Health Workforce Training and Education
- New Center Focuses on Preserving Rural Rental Housing Units
- Boys Do Cry: Rural Michigan Men Are Opening up about Mental Health
- Huge $14M Donation Will Help Bring Much-Need Ultrasound Equipment To Rural Wyoming
- UVM Researchers Tackle Rural Health Disparities
- Culture-Responsive Care Addresses Mental Health Disparities in Tribal Communities
- Reentry Program for Those Incarcerated Offers 'A Model for Us to Follow'
- Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Initiative to Increase Investments in Person-Centered Primary Care
- Study Identifies Higher Rates of Suicide in Some Remote Minnesota Regions
- Rural Employment Recovery Halts
- Workforce Training Center in Chewelah Would Give Internships to Rural High Schoolers
- Some Rural Hospitals Are Removing All Inpatient Beds, Leading to Confusion and No Margin for Error
- FCC Increases Broadband Speed Benchmark
Academy of Pediatrics Solicits Input into Oral Health Direction
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Section on Oral Health is asking stakeholders to complete a survey on the effectiveness of oral health initiatives/Campaign for Dental Health, priorities for future directions, and resources needed to improve management of oral health promotion, disease prevention, and early childhood caries. The AAP seeks to strengthen oral health initiatives:
- In the wake of the pandemic.
- As part of the AAP Equity Agenda
- Because children continue to see a pediatric or primary care provider or other trusted community member long before they see a dental professional and during the years in which prevention of dental disease is optimal.
The survey deadline is July 15.
Pennsylvania Oral Health Coalition Collecting Info on Medicaid Credentialing Issues
Many dental providers and organizations are reporting having trouble getting their providers credentialed with the Pennsylvania Medicaid Managed Care Organizations. We are hoping to lift this up with the Department of Human Services, and would appreciate connecting with any Pennsylvania providers that have experienced significant delays.
Add Your Voice! Oral Health Survey for Pennsylvania Veterans Released
PCOH is working with a dental public health resident to collect information on veterans’ knowledge and use of their oral health benefits. Please share with our Pennsylvania veterans and encourage them to the take the survey.
Click here to take the survey.
Click here to download the flyer.
Pennsylvania Releases Teledentistry Bulletin
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) has published a new bulletin expanding the reach of teledentistry services in Pennsylvania. Coverage has been added for preventive services, and guidelines have been established for both Federally Qualified Health Centers/Rural Health Clinics, and dentists enrolled in the Medical Assistance Program.
Latest Dental Health Policy Insitute Workforce Poll Results Released
The American Dental Association Health Policy Institute (HPI) released the latest data from their Economic Outlook and Emerging Issues in Dentistry poll conducted between May 17-22, 2022. The data shed new light on the impact the dental staff shortage is having on practices across the country. It focuses on recruitment needs, position vacancies, and economic confidence. Core questions are also available in a new, interactive state dashboard.
Click here for more information and to check out the dashboard.
Oral Health/Rural Health Study Commissioned in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) is a bipartisan, bicameral legislative service agency consisting of 12 members of the General Assembly. The LBFC is authorized to conduct a wide range of research activities pertaining to the operation and performance of state-funded programs and agencies. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives adopted House Resolution (HR) 68 on March 23, 2021 which pertains to the availability of dental health services in rural areas of Pennsylvania and seeks recommendations to expand oral health care to those areas. This study will be performed by the LBFC this summer and a final report, with policy recommendations, is expected by the end of 2022.
WHO Adopts Oral Health Strategy
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced member states’ adoption of a new global strategy on oral health at the World Health Assembly 75. This strategy will guide the development of a new global action plan that includes a framework for tracking progress with targets for achieving optimal oral health to be completed by 2030. This plan sets the stage for universal health coverage for oral health, with the goal of allowing all people to access oral health services and live healthy lives by “tackling social and commercial determinants and risk factors of oral diseases and conditions.”
New Oral Health Activity Book for Kids Released
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created “Take Care of Your Teeth,” an oral health activity book for children. The book features coloring pages, mazes, word searches, and connect-the-dots to teach children how regular oral health habits can help prevent cavities. The book is available in 13 languages.
Oral Health, Mental Health, and Substance Use Treatment Toolkit Released
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing developed a new toolkit, “Oral Health, Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment: A Framework for Increased Coordination and Integration.” The toolkit provides a guide for health professionals to increase coordination and integration efforts across oral, mental, and substance use treatment settings. The toolkit includes suggestions, strategies, and examples for implementation of new care models across health systems.
New Report Released: COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on US Childhood Caries
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a publication, “COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on US Childhood Caries and Potential Mitigation” in the Journal of Dental Research. This is the first study to examine the impacts of reduced access to dental care during the pandemic on the oral health status of children from low-income families in the country.