G-2309-19886

The National Network of Oral Health Access (NNOHA) was founded in 1991 by a group of Dental Directors from FQHCs who identified a need for peer-to-peer networking, collaboration, research, and support in running effective oral health programs. Historically, through CareQuest Institute grants, NNOHA has played primarily a technical assistance role to support primary care associations (PCAs) in their efforts to advance oral health integration in states. NNOHA served as a thought partner of the National Oral Health Innovation and Integration Network (NOHIIN) and have since continued launched the PCA Oral Health Collaborative (POHC) to coordinate ongoing learning opportunities for PCAs around the country.

Currently, the POHC represents 38 states and will continue to be open to all primary care associations whether they have previously participated or not. A core goal of the POHC is to better position states for new models of care, though, without funding, NNOHA has not been able to support experiences for learning, networking, and collaboration among the PCA oral health specifically to support the continued development and dissemination of best practices and innovative opportunities.

NNOHA’s partnership with PCAs not only creates opportunities for strengthening state-based strategies and capacity for oral health transformation, but it also equips NNOHA to better respond as a national partner to develop meaningful resources and advocate for priority policies and regulations.

Through this proposal, NNOHA will continue monthly POHC virtual gathering facilitated by PCA members with NNOHA providing logistical support and resources. Gatherings will focus on issues related to value-based care, teledentistry, integration, workforce development and retention, and equity. Where possible, NNOHA and POHC will explore collaborative opportunities for learning in partnership with CareQuest Institute to build and reinforce an aligned strategy.

These virtual gatherings will complement two in-person gatherings for PCA oral health personnel. These events will be for a more intensive time of learning, idea sharing and training. NNOHA will implement a “progress check” process to gather information on how knowledge is growing and being used over the course of the year in both building infrastructure and creating new opportunities within individual states and with individual PCAs.
NNOHA is requesting $143,656 which is about 7% of the organization’s overall budget. Approximately one-fourth of the requested funds will support staff time, while two-thirds will support the convenings – virtual and in-person.