- 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
- Over 3,000 Homes on the Navajo Nation Receive Accurate Addresses for the First Time
- Rural Population Grows for Second Consecutive Year
- Rapides Library Offers Telehealth to a Town Without Doctors
- Rural Infection Preventionists Need Community Support
- New Federal Health IT Strategy Sets Sights on a Heathier, More Innovative, and More Equitable Health Care Experience
- Upcoming Virtual Workshop: Partnering for Success: Building Partnerships for Health Workforce Training and Education
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.
OHNEP Releases Document for Oral Health Care at Home
The Oral Health Nursing Education and Practice (OHNEP) out of the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing released a document reminding individuals how to take care of their oral health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The document focuses on at-home oral hygiene regimens to prevent oral health problems.
Nicotine Dependence Strategies for Oral Health Professionals
As a reminder, PCOH is partnering with the Northwest PA Tobacco Control Program to offer “Nicotine Dependence Strategies for Oral Health Professionals.” While we prefer you complete the “Every Smoker, Every Time (ESET)” training prior to tomorrow’s live webinar, we understand that you might not have time. You can complete the training after tomorrow’s live webinar if this is an obstacle. Upon successful completion of both parts, Medicaid providers can complete a Tobacco Registry application and submit to DHS to be authorized to bill for tobacco counseling. If you are unable to attend tomorrow’s live webinar, the recording will be available on PCOH’s webinar portal in the coming weeks.
This two-part course is free of charge with 2.0 CEUs available.
Click here for more information on the process.
Click here to register for tomorrow’s live webinar at 12:30 p.m.