GRANT00076

Support to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources to implement a plan to decrease the number of children having a caries experience by five percent, increase the Oral Health Program’s ability to evaluate and monitor programs, and increase the number of non-dental health care professionals receiving oral health core competency curriculum or training. Key measures of success will be full development and implementation of a Statewide Surveillance System, involving the entire lifespan, with reporting to NOHSS. This system will allow WV to measure oral health accomplishments and identify needs statewide across several demographics. A statewide dental sealant coordinator managing and expanding school based sealant programs, and a fluoride specialist supporting public water fluoridation efforts. Increased medical/dental collaboration statewide, with the use of medical providers applying fluoride varnish, and all non-dental state licensing boards mandating oral health continuing education. Ultimately, success will be an increase in the number of West Virginians receiving preventive services and a decrease in oral health disease.