State Oral Health Programs and Primary Care Agency Collaborations Developing State Safety Net Systems Bob Russell, DDS, MPH

ASTDD Essential Roles for State Oral Health Programs Assessment 1. Assess oral health status and implement an oral health surveillance system 2. Analyze determinants of oral health and respond to health hazards in the community 3. Assess public perceptions about oral health issues and educate/empower them to achieve and maintain optimal oral health

ASTDD Essential Roles for SOHPs Policy Development 4. Mobilize community partners to leverage resources and advocate for/act on oral health issues 5. Develop and implement policies and systematic plans that support state and community oral health efforts

ASTDD Essential Roles for SOHPs Assurance 6. Review, educate about and enforce laws and regulations that promote oral health and ensure safe oral health practices 7. Reduce barriers to care and assure utilization of personal and population-based oral health services 8. Assure an adequate and competent public and private oral health workforce 9. Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility and quality of personal and population-based oral health promotion activities and oral health services 10. Conduct and review research for new insights and innovative solutions to oral health problems.

Iowa Example Developed New Dental Director Training Manual Provided State Regional Trainings FQHC Site Technical Assistance Visits with Iowa Primary Care Associations Staff to Iowa and Neighboring States Served on Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation Provided support and process development for large grant request to initiate oral health manager position within the PCA Served on candidate selection committee Provided support in orientation of selected candidate

Other Examples Serves as support in state investigations of FQHC activities Medicaid advisory capacity Provide oversight to state Primary Care Office Health profession shortage designations National Health Service Core site evaluations Safety Net Collaborations State fiscal authority for appropriations to Safety Net Clinics

Other examples Assists in coordinating state oral health resources and patient promotions Can assist in directing at risk populations to Safety Net facilities

Your SOHP Representative

Bob Russell, DDS, MPH State of Iowa Public Health dental Director E-mail: bob.russell@idph.iowa.gov Phone: 515- 281-4916