The Importance of Professional and Community Involvement

Taking Action to Improve Oral Health

Leslie Stevens, RDHDental Program CoordinatorAllegany County Health DepartmentCumberland, Maryland&Chair,Maryland Oral Health Association

Community Dental Programs

Clinics

• Children (6 months – 18 years)

• Adult Extraction Clinic

• Adolescent Clinic

Community Dental Programs

School Programs

• School-Based Dental Sealant Program

• First Grade Dental Screenings

• Fluoride Mouthrinse

• Education

Community Dental Programs

Community

• Head Start

• WIC

• Hospital Expectant Parent Classes

• Health Fairs

Community Dental Programs

Importance of Local Involvement

• Head Start Health Advisory

• School Health Council

• Upper Potomac Dental Hygienists’ Society

• Allegany Garrett Dental Society

• Maryland Physicians Care

Maryland Oral Health Association

Maryland Oral Health Association

Reorganization

• Bylaws

• Mission

• Purpose

• Renamed

Maryland Oral Health Association

Mission

To promote and improve the health and well being of Maryland residents through state and local oral health programs

Maryland Oral Health Association

Purpose1. Facilitate communication and collaboration

between local agency directors, coordinators, and the Office of Oral Health, where common public health concerns, ideas and goals can be discussed.

2. Advocate for oral health to the Health Officers and other officials in the State of Maryland on courses of action to be taken concerning oral health issues.

Maryland Oral Health Association

Membership

• Local Health Departments

• State Facilities

• Federally Qualified Health Centers

• Educational Institutions

• Other Public Oral Health Programs

Leslie Stevens, RDH301-777-5677Dentalachd@yahoo.com