OPEN Initiative
We are a network taking on America’s oral health challenges. Individually, we can make progress. Together, we can transform community health.
What Is OPEN?
The Oral Health Progress & Equity Network (OPEN) is a diverse network of people and organizations taking on America’s oral health challenges. OPEN members use their unique experiences, knowledge, and skills to make oral health care more affordable and accessible — especially for underserved populations. Members connect in person and virtually throughout the year to share resources, learn from one another, and align on policy priorities. OPEN is an initiative of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.
The Benefits of Joining OPEN
OPEN hosts in-person and virtual meetings for members to share resources, learn from one another, and align on opportunities for collective action. Members have access to free trainings, tools for skill building, and online communities for collaboration. Through shared learning spaces, OPEN members leverage their expertise and resources to advance their own community’s health and equity goals, while also contributing to nationwide momentum for change. OPEN seeks out diversity in membership and representation from community, state, and national levels — also known as grassroots, grassmiddles, and grasstops.Â
The Importance of Collective Impact
During the last decade, OPEN has fueled a national conversation among policymakers, providers, public health activists, and grassroots organizers who are working to build a new health system that works for everyone. OPEN members have organized across the country to spread the message that oral health is essential to overall health and well-being. The diversity of experiences, knowledge, and skills of OPEN members, coupled with a shared vision, create the opportunity for greater collective impact.Â
During OPEN Hill Day, OPEN members meet with legislators about prioritizing oral health in their communities. The most recent Hill Day, in May 2025, brought more than 90 members from across the US to Capitol Hill. They briefed lawmakers on the importance of Medicaid dental coverage, community water fluoridation, and improving access to dental care for veterans, among other crucial policies.Â
Upcoming Events
This network is growing, becoming stronger, and creating the will for change. OPEN is committed to continuing the important work of coming together to create an oral health system that works for everyone. Join an upcoming event to learn more.
Events
Advocacy Committee
Date & Time (ET)
December 17, 4 p.m.
Location
Online
Registration Link
Join Our Community
A strong network is made up of strong communities.