GRANT00174

This project will have statewide reach across 7 public health districts covering 44 Idaho counties to address public health infrastructure. 94 percent of Idaho is designated as a health professional shortage area for dental care. The Idaho Oral Health Alliance, the Idaho Oral Health Program, medical and dental professionals and others, will work collaboratively to establish project infrastructure; develop a medical/dental collaboration plan for implementation; create a system to deliver the Smiles for Life Curriculum to medical providers; and conduct a statewide oral health community assessment by the 7 Idaho Public Health Districts (HD) to identify solutions to improve prevention and access to oral health care for the underserved population at the local level. HD oral health programs are a key factor in Idaho’s ability to deliver oral health preventive services statewide through local oral health programs staffed by registered dental hygienists with extended access credentials.