G-2309-19872

The Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI) is the state’s oral health coalition that, over the past three years, has become a model state oral health coalition because of its strong, authentic community partnerships, employment of a health and racial equity lens throughout its various initiatives, and success in advancing oral health policy.

COHI is a returning CareQuest Institute grantee that has been effective in its advocacy leadership in Connecticut, despite limited staff capacity. In the organization’s most recent grant period, the following outcomes were achieved:

COHI increased its community engagement efforts by connecting with thousands of residents, conducting quantitative surveys, and assisting people to find services and providers,

Successfully advocacy for the expansion of periodontal services for adults with underlying medical conditions as well as expansion of Medicaid to undocumented immigrants up to age 15 (previously 12),

Creation of a diverse coalition of stakeholders interested in learning more about and pursuing dental therapy authorization in CT, and

Delivery of oral health literacy presentation to low-income residents, veterans, and people with disabilities both in-person and online.

COHI’s work has focused on strong data collection and analysis, community engagement, and advocacy for improved access to oral health and these priorities remain central to the proposed scope of work for 2023-24. The organization’s priorities for this project include advocacy for policy changes to 1) expand and diversify the oral health workforce through the establishment of the dental therapy profession, 2) increase utilization rates of Medicaid services by advocating for expanded coverage that includes periodontal and endodontic services, a second annual prophylaxis, and modification of the annual maximum benefits cap, 3) increase access to children through oral health education on the benefits of sealants and fluoride varnish application during well visits through the state’s ABC program, and 4) expand care for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities by advocating for oral health’s integration into the care management models and waiver programs administered by the CT Department of Social Services.

These goals were identified as guiding issues uncovered by COHI through their community surveys and will require regular meetings with various stakeholder groups and partner agencies in addition to an increased commitment to communications and educational sessions for both individuals and legislators. While Medicaid coverage is the organization’s priority issue area, COHI has leveraged OPEN connections and CareQuest Institute Learning Community meetings to expand its network and adapt innovative solutions to oral health systems change to the Connecticut context.

The proposed project will require a significant investment of time and financial resources to capitalize on growing momentum in CT prior to and following the 2024 legislative session, but the work will result in the production of a Medicaid issue brief, a training document and webinar on cultural competence, several op-ed and storytelling pitches to news media outlets, and a strengthened and informed network of advocates interested in promoting oral health equity through integration and workforce expansion. Additionally, the seeds for a coordinated oral health advocacy campaign in the next few years will also be sown through these community-facing engagements.

The original request for this proposal was $200,000, and while compelling and impactful, funding is being recommended in the amount of $175,000, given the organization’s current budget. Philanthropy Team staff are working in partnership with COHI to address concerns about sustainability and a strategy moving into 2024. COHI maintains important, trusted relationships with community-based organizations and individuals who have either been impacted by or expressed interest in the oral health system. COHI’s proposed budget does indicate match support ($30,000) for the three positions leading the project’s delivery ($148,000), with the remaining grant funds going toward a communications consultant who will assist on media outreach and message development activities.