Rural Health Information Hub Latest News

New USPHS Chief Dental Officer Named

The United States Public Health Service has named Rear Admiral Michael Johnson as the 21st Chief Dental Officer. Rear Admiral Johnson concurrently serves as the Chief Dental Officer of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. We look forward to how he can further elevate oral health in his new position.

Volunteer Opportunity for Dental Professionals in Pennsylvania

The Remote Area Medical (RAM) Volunteer Corps is hosting a clinic on March 25th and 26th at Penns Valley Elementary Intermediate School in Spring Mills, PA. Free dental, vision, and medical services will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. RAM is seeking volunteers to work the event. They offer first-come, first-serve free lodging for out-of-town providers, and meals are provided to volunteers during the clinic day.

Click here to view the event flyer.
Click here for more volunteer information.

Celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others. Check out the American Dental Association website for posters, postcards, flyers, and activity sheets.

Click here for resources and to learn more.

Pennsylvania Report Addresses Rural Oral Health Access Issues

The Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) released a report that analyzed the state of dentistry in rural Pennsylvania and found that the state has a growing problem with access to dental care. To combat those trends and problems, the report suggests some financial changes, as well as expanding technological use.

PCOH was excited to assist the LBFC on this report as the lead stakeholder.

Click here to download the report.

New Resource: E-Cigarette Use, Vaping, and Oral Health

The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health released a new visual report, “Electronic Cigarette Use, Vaping, and Oral Health.” The report explains how individuals who use e-cigarettes are significantly more likely to report having periodontal (gum) disease compared to those who do not smoke or use other nicotine products. E-cigarette use is linked with signs of periodontal disease such as increased plaque, deeper periodontal pockets around the teeth, and bone loss.

Click here to view the report.

Pennsylvania Oral Health Coalition Releases Oral Health Workforce Report Part II

PCOH released the second part of a workforce report that uncovers some Pennsylvanians have wait times up to three years to receive dental treatment for tooth decay. The “Access to Oral Health Workforce Report” determined that the average wait time for a new dental appointment in PA is two months with an additional month wait to have a filling placed. Rural residents can face up to a two to three year wait. Over the last three years, Pennsylvania has been affected by a significant number of dental hygienists and dental assistants leaving dentistry as well as increases in dentist retirements. This has resulted in dwindling availability of dental appointments.

Click here to download the report.

American Academy of Pediatrics Updates Children’s Oral Health Recommendations

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has updated their recommendations on maintaining and improving children’s oral health. The AAP advises that children drink only water between meals, preferably fluoridated tap water, and avoid juice intake before age 1. Fluoride is also critically important to prevent dental caries, especially for those who do not have early or consistent ongoing dental care.

Click here for more information.

New Pitt Apprenticeship Program Aims to Address the Dental Assistant Shortage

The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine has been awarded state funding to train dental assistants through a paid 14-month paid apprenticeship, which also covers tuition and exam fees. The new program, which is funded through a PAsmart grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, is partnering with Pittsburgh Public Schools to recruit the first cohort of six students. The program will focus on attracting underrepresented minority students from high schools in Allegheny County, as well as the surrounding counties of Butler, Beaver, Washington, and Westmoreland. The first cohort of students is expected to start in January 2023. Find more information about the apprenticeship and instructions to apply.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

The American Dental Association’s Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention has materials for 2023 National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) ready to ship! Free bilingual posters are available to ship. New this year, you can purchase postcards either in English or Spanish. Additional resources, including activity sheets and a planning guide, can be found on the NCDHM website.

Click here to order materials.