The American Public Health Association (APHA) released a new policy statement regarding the importance of improving oral health care access for pregnant women. Oral health is integral to overall health and a healthy pregnancy, yet less than half of pregnant women in the United States report receiving routine dental care during pregnancy. Oral diseases during pregnancy can negatively impact birth outcomes and women’s quality of life. The policy statement describes this major public health problem, along with opposing arguments, evidence-based strategies and action steps, at federal, state, and local levels.

Click here for more information.

The National Health Care for the Homeless Council shared a new issue brief, “COVID-19 and the HCH Community: Maintaining Access to Dental Services.” The issue explore why dental services are essential to those experiencing homelessness, unique challenges experienced by those experiencing homelessness as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and recommendations for dental providers to improve access to care and provide services to those experiencing homelessness.

Click here to read the issue.

On March 29th, the DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement became part of a new organization called the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.

CareQuest Institute is a nonprofit committed to building a future in which equitable systems promote excellent health, allowing people everywhere to reach their full potential. This next evolution of work amplifies and expands upon the programming, resources, and strengths of past organizations, including the DentaQuest Partnership, DentaQuest Foundation, and DentaQuest Institute.

As CareQuest Institute, the more robust portfolio reaches across grantmaking, research, health improvement programs, policy and advocacy, and education as well as dental benefits, care delivery, and innovation advancements designed to improve the oral health system. As a new organization, they can broaden their impact and move faster together toward a system designed for everyone.

Click here for more information.

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded research initiative offers access to optimally fluoridated water for up to 19 million people in the U.S. for the first time. The new fluoridation method is designed to dissolve in a small amount of water, much like the chlorine tablets used in swimming pools. This tablet system could allow nearly 32,000 small public utilities – often in underserved, rural areas – to contribute to the national Healthy People goal of providing access to fluoridated water to 77.1% of the U.S. population by 2030. The new system is still pending approval in Pennsylvania.

Click here to learn more.

The National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center (OHRC) released the latest issue of the “Oral Health Resource Bulletin,” a periodic publication designed to stimulate thinking and creativity within the maternal and child health community by providing information about selected materials of interest. This bulletin features materials on the COVID-19 pandemic, surveillance, policy, professional education and practice, program development, public awareness and education, and systems integration.

Click here to read the bulletin.

The American Dental Association (ADA) released a toolkit to help dental providers increase patients’ confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. The downloadable resource includes answers to commonly asked questions, advice for social media interactions, and tip sheets for dispelling myths about the vaccines and sharing science-based recommendations for pregnant women or those planning to start a family.

Click here to view the toolkit.

The Rural Health Information Hub, the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center, and the NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis created a toolkit to help rural organizations with implementing early childhood health promotion programs in their communities. The toolkit expands on information published in previous toolkits, including the Oral Health Toolkit.

Click here to view the resource.

Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) is hosting “Give Kids a Smile Week” from March 29th to April 2nd, 2021. Give Kids a Smile Week will connect dentists with children ages 1 to 18, especially children who are uninsured, under-insured, or haven’t seen a dentist in over one year. Dentists in Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties will open their offices free of charge to children to have their mouths examined, teeth cleaned, and in some cases, cavities filled, and teeth pulled. PCCY is looking for volunteers to help schedule appointments and translate during appointments. Stakeholders can also distribute the flyer to friends and colleagues to let more families know about getting care.

Click here for more information.
Click here to download the flyer.