Oral Health

RI Oral Health Program

Partnerships

Oral Health Professional Advisory Council (OHPAC), RI Department of Health
OHPAC provides guidance to the Oral Health Program, Office of Primary Care, and the Rhode Island Department of Health on programmatic and policy issues related to oral health access, effective oral health promotion and disease prevention strategies, and appropriate measures designed to improve the oral health status of all Rhode Island residents.

RI Early Childhood Oral Health (ECOH) Coalition
In collaboration with families and communities, the ECOH Coalition seeks to improve the oral health status and reduce disease disparities among young children by:

• Promoting effective oral health habits,
• Expanding oral health and disease prevention knowledge, and
• Advocating for improved access to oral health services.

To date, 90 individuals representing more than 35 organizations have joined the Coalition and additional partnerships are continually being sought to assure availability of expertise in all relevant areas.

RI Special Senate Commission on Oral Health
Chaired by Senator Elizabeth Roberts, the RI Special Senate Commission on Oral Health issued a Final Report (November 2001) that includes 22 recommendations for improving oral health access, promoting effective oral disease prevention strategies, and expanding the oral health workforce and community-based capacity for the benefit of all Rhode Islanders. The Commission continues to meet quarterly to track progress towards implementation of the recommendations and to provide policy guidance, a forum for all oral health interest groups, and coordination of oral health initiatives statewide.