dqf2019021

Support to Northeastern University (NU) to implement its Innovations in Interprofessional Oral Health Care: Technology, Instruction, Practice, and Service Program. Activities during implementation will include: developing the Advancing Leadership in Oral Health Advocacy program, which will engage a new cadre of young leaders in advocacy and leadership around interprofessional care; professional development and collaborative conversations concerning oral health across health sciences institutions in Boston; the engagement of Community Health Workers (CHW) in supporting oral health of their communities; and a cooperative education program that trains the next generation of providers in interprofessional, team-based, patient-centered care. NU activities will help support DentaQuest Foundation’s commitment to the integration of oral health into all aspects of health care, improvement of consumer-focused care delivery, and the development of a provider base that represents the community it serves. The proposal aligns with the Oral Health 2020 Targets of including oral health as a component of patient-centered care, and 75% of children reaching age five without a cavity. Funding will support staff costs associated with the implementation of the program, convenings around interprofessional education, and consultant support to design effective programming.