Oral Health Links

Model Programs & Best Practices

Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD),
Proven and Promising Programs
www.astdd.org/bestpractices/index.htm

Description: ASTDD formulates and promotes the establishment of sound national dental public health policy and assists state dental programs in the development and implementation of programs and policies for the prevention of oral diseases. The organization represents the directors and staff of state public health agency programs for oral health.

Information Available: Best practice approaches and recommendations, position papers, policy statements on oral health, studies on public health practices, newsletter, conferences and background on the National Call to Action to Improve America's Oral Health.

The Community Guide
www.thecommunityguide.org/oral/default.htm

Description: The Community Guide, developed by a non-Federal Task Force on Community Preventive Services, offers leadership in the evaluation of community, population and health care system strategies to address a variety of public health and health promotion topics.

Information Available: A systematic review of the effectiveness of selected population-based interventions addressing oral health. These programs focus on one of three strategies: 1) prevention of dental caries, 2) prevention of oral and pharyngeal cancers and 3) preventing oral and facial injuries. Also includes publications, evidence tables and logic frameworks.

Federal Government:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion,
Oral Health Resources
www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/index.htm

Description: This program of the CDC holds responsibility for supporting state- and community-based programs to prevent oral disease, promoting oral health nationwide and fostering applied research to enhance oral disease prevention in community settings.

Information Available: Topics such as infection control, water fluoridation and specific target populations; fact sheets; journal articles; guidelines and recommendations; state-by-state reports; the Surgeon General's Report; oral health maps; the National Oral Health Surveillance System (NOHSS); infrastructure development tools and appendices; oral health plans and conferences.

MEDLINEplus-Health Information
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dentalhealth.html

Description: MEDLINEplus, sponsored by the National Library of Medicine, includes a vast amount of health information on over 600 diseases and conditions. The site offers authoritative, up-to-date and appropriate health information for both health professionals and consumers.

Information Available: Latest news concerning oral health, publications from the National Institutes of Health, general overviews, prevention and screening, associated conditions and aspects, treatment, statistics, specific populations and links to related MEDLINEplus topics.

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
www.nidcr.nih.gov

Description: The NIDCR promotes the general health of the American people by improving their oral, dental and craniofacial health. Through conducting and supporting research and the training of researchers, the NIDCR aims to encourage health, prevent diseases and develop new diagnostics and therapeutics.

Information Available: NIDCR publications, special care resources, assistance in finding dental care, statistics and data, clinical trials, news and reports, funding opportunities, health disparities and research activities.

Missouri Government:

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS),
Oral Health Program
www.dhss.mo.gov/oralhealth/

Description: This state program provides guidance, training and technical assistance in a wide variety of oral health related issues in order to meet their mission of promoting and protecting the oral health of Missouri citizens.

Information Available: Missouri state fluoridation map, an oral health survey, audio-visual and literature resource guide, oral health data and other oral health links.

The Missouri Coalition for Oral Health Access
www.mo-pca.org/oralhealthcoalition

Description: This Coalition was formed in June of 1999 through the support and encouragement of the State's Oral Health Program to address the lack of access to oral health services in Missouri.

Information Available: The Coalition's publication: "Oral Health in Missouri: Policy Recommendations for Prevention, Education and Access," their 2003 legislative platform, summit and forum proceedings, future plans for the Coalition and links to member organizations that are Coalition members.

National Organizations:

American Dental Association (ADA)
www.ada.org

Description: The ADA, a professional association of dentists started in 1859, has committed itself to the public's oral health, ethics, science and professional advancement. The association attempts to lead a unified profession through initiatives in advocacy, education, research and the development of oral health standards.

Information Available: Government and advocacy, meetings and events, publications, oral health topics, a dentist directory, ADA seal products, tips for teachers, news media and video resources.

Bright Futures at Georgetown University: Oral Health
www.brightfutures.org/oralhealth

Description: Bright Futures is a national initiative to promote and improve the health and well-being of children from birth through adolescence. The program believes that every child deserves to be healthy and that optimal health involves a trusting relationship between the health professional, the child, the family and the community.

Information Available: Bright Futures in Practice: Oral Health - emphasizes prevention and early recognition of oral health concerns and provides guidelines on current oral health promotion and disease prevention. The guide introduces the concepts of cost-effective risk assessments and measurable outcomes; emphasizes the contribution and partnership of dental professionals and stresses the importance of early oral health intervention for children.

Oral Health America
www.oralhealthamerica.org

Description: Oral Health America develops resources for the improvement and promotion of the nation's oral health. They work to educate the public on oral health issues, improve access to services and support research and dental education.

Information Available: A 2003 national oral health report card; programs developed, implemented and facilitated by Oral Health America (including: Smiles Across America, National Spit Tobacco Education Program and a campaign for oral health parity); news; legislation and other oral health education resources.