G-1911-15555

This investment allows NC Child to support grassroots advocacy efforts to expand access to comprehensive adult dental benefits in Medicaid by centering voices of consumers and community in statewide policy-change conversations. The work aligns with The DentaQuest Partnership priorities to promote health equity in North Carolina, engage grassroots partners in systems-change advocacy, pursue person-centered models of care, and expand access to public adult dental benefits. NC Child has a strong history of advocacy around health equity and racial justice issues, and sees opportunity to make advancements in this work through several policy shifts in the state, including a move to managed care in Medicaid, expanded scope for dental hygienists, and the inclusion of oral health metrics in the state’s Early Childhood Action Plan. Specific outcomes for 2020 include: growing their parent advisory council and expanding its capacity for advocacy, development and implementation of an action plan, and promoting the inclusion of oral health in the state’s emerging Medicaid managed care system. $150,000 will support staff time, travel and meeting expenses, office support, participant stipends, and communication material development. Other state funders already, and will continue to, participate in this work.