- Biden-Harris Administration Releases National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and First-Ever Federal Action Plan
- Biden-Harris Administration Takes Historic Action to Increase Access to Quality Care, and Support to Families and Care Workers
- Biden Administration Sets Higher Staffing Mandates. Most Nursing Homes Don't Meet Them.
- Rural Jails Turn to Community Health Workers To Help the Newly Released Succeed
- Rural Communities Face Primary Care Physician Shortage
- Miles for Milk: How Student-Run Grocery Store Reshaped Rural Community's Food Access
- Native Americans Have Shorter Life Spans, and It's Not Just Due to Lack of Health Care
- Promotoras Play Essential Role in Connecting Farmworkers with Health Care in Rural NorCal
- Using Medicaid to Address Young People's Mental Health Needs in School Settings
- Across the Country, Amish Populations Are on the Rise
- Sunsets, Wildlife and Limited Care: Challenges of Aging in Place in Rural America
- City-Country Mortality Gap Widens amid Persistent Holes in Rural Health Care Access
- Tribal Environmental Impact Network
- Minnesota's Rural Ambulance Providers Look to State Capitol for Their Own Lifeline
- Biden-Harris Administration Takes Action to Support the Primary Care Workforce
New Practice Guideline Released on on Acute Oral Pain Management
A new practice guideline developed by the American Dental Association, the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, and the Center for Integrative Global Oral Health at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine details acute pain management strategies. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs taken alone or along with acetaminophen are recommended as first-line treatments for managing short-term dental pain in adults and adolescents aged 12 or older. Former PCOH Board Member/Board Chair Dr. Deborah Polk, University of Pittsburgh, was an author on this project.
New Pennsylvania Oral Health Coalition Resource Published: Oral Health IS Public Health
PCOH has added a new resource to the website, “Oral Health IS Public Health.” This resource details the connection between oral health and public health, why dentists and dental students should infuse public health in their work, and how providers can advance public health. The second page includes a redesigned look for the existing “Scholarship, Loan Repayment, and Loan Forgiveness Options for Dentists and Dental Program Students.” This is intended for dental students, newly-graduated dentists, and any other dental provider looking to become more involved in public health.
Just Released! 2024 Progress Update on Pennsylvania Oral Health Plan Outcomes
PCOH recently published “2024 Progress Update on Measurable Outcomes for the Pennsylvania Oral Health Plan 2020-2030.” This resource tracks the efforts of 22 measurable outcomes across three priority areas including in the Pennsylvania Oral Health Plan 2020-2030. The resource identifies a baseline data point, the current status, and 2030 goal for each outcome. Check it out to see how Pennsylvania is doing with improving oral health!
Pennsylvania Oral Health Coalition Published 2023 Impact Report
PCOH is pleased to announce the release of our 2023 Impact Report. Thank you to all of our stakeholders, partners, and funders for making this work possible. We look forward to working collaboratively to improve oral health in 2024 and beyond!
Act Now: Sign on to Improve Dental Care Access for Pennsylvanians with IDDs
Make a difference in dental care inclusivity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Pennsylvania. You have the opportunity to support a crucial initiative that would support equitable access to dental care for the 1 in 4 Pennsylvanians with a disability. The Governor’s Exceptional Medically Underserved Population (EMUP) designation is an opportunity for Pennsylvania to access additional federal funding for vital needs like increasing primary care access, provider loan repayment, incentivized reimbursement, and much more. Lend your organization’s support – sign on today to improve dental care access for Pennsylvanians with IDD.
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Community Health Worker Survey on Oral Health Education Launched
The Pennsylvania Coalition for Oral Health (PCOH) is asking Certified Community Health Workers (CCHW) to complete an Annual Survey on oral health education and CCHWs for 2023. PCOH is a statewide advocacy organization dedicated to promoting the importance of lifelong dental health and CCHWs are key partners in this work. The survey will take less than 10 minutes to complete. For all surveys submitted before February 9, there will be an option to enter a drawing for two $50 Amazon gift cards. Questions? Contact info@paoralhealth.org or visit paoralhealth.org.
New CareQuest Report Highlights Oral-Systemic Interaction
The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health released a new report, Oral-Systemic Interaction and Medical-Integration: A Life Course Approach. The report provides an overview of the bidirectional nature of oral and systemic diseases across phases of life and explores how integrated care delivery improves access and health outcomes.
DANB Announces New Scholarship for Dental Assistants
A new scholarship is now available to help dental assistants launch their careers. The DANB/DALE Foundation Scholarship is now accepting applications. The scholarship is open to dental assisting students and current dental assistants with less than five years of experience. Scholarship funds can be used for education, credentials, and activities or services that improve oral health in groups that historically faced barriers to accessing dental care. Applications are accepted now through March 4, 2024. To learn more or apply, visit DANB’s website.
February is 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. The 2024 theme is “Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles.” The American Dental Association has free downloadable posters, postcards, and flyers available on their website. You can also order physical copies of these materials to be shipped.
New Teledentistry Toolkit Available from CareQuest
The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health released a new resource, “Teledentistry Regulation and Policy Guidance: A Toolkit to Promote Access and Quality Care Through Teledentistry.” This resource identifies primary considerations for regulators and policymakers regarding teledentistry and includes key recommendations.