1709-13491

This investment provides support to Rhode Island Kids Count as it works to leverage its statewide role to promote policies that protect and improve oral health coverage and continue to engage key stakeholders around the importance of young children with early dental visits. Specifically, Rhode Island Kids Count will develop new content and strategies to update its TeethFirst campaign; engage families, dental and medical providers, and school stakeholders to promote the importance of early dental visits; convene and engage state partners to develop a framework and process for data collection and reporting on coverage for adults with Medicaid; and advocate at the state and federal level for policies that support access to dental coverage and care across the lifespan. $100,000 will be used to support personnel time necessary for the work's implementation, travel costs to participate in relevant meetings, marketing and communications tools and resources, and consultant time and costs for a communications/advertising firm to promote oral health through the TeethFirst campaign. This work most closely aligns with the Oral Health 2020 Goal of Improving the Public Perception of Value of Oral Health to Overall Health.