G-1812-14642

The purpose of this grant is to support the Hawaii Children’s Action Network (HCAN) in facilitating the oral health movement in Hawaii through their convening workgroups focused on oral health disparities and children, broadening the reach and connectivity of the oral health network to rural islands, and continuing to support efforts to reinstate an adult dental benefit in Medicaid. This project builds on previous work to base build and mobilize community members and partners for a more comprehensive adult dental benefit. Specifically, HCAN will develop oral health network leadership statewide, expand the oral health network to more diverse stakeholders, develop and disseminate timely children’s oral health information, and inform and educate policy makers about the benefits of an adult dental benefit. The work will weave together a grassroots approach that connects stakeholders to decision-makers in a way that supports greater oral health equity. This project aligns with the OH2020 goals of eradicating dental disease in children, including an adult dental benefit in publicly funded health coverage, and improving the public perception of the value of oral health as a part of overall health. The budget for this project is $92,800 which is primarily to support staff and contractor time, as well as supplies and 3 mini-grants.