GRANT00335

Continued funding supporst the Center for Oral Health (COH) to design policy education and advocacy tools directed at school board members and administrators to ensure full integration of oral health services and education for elementary school children. The project will leverage other activities conducted by COH with support from HRSA to expand comprehensive oral health services integrated with school-based health centers. This is a highly visible project from which findings will be complied and utilized for broad dissemination and promotion of a model that promises to be innovative as it is a patient-centered, cost-effective, coordinated, and self-sustainable system of care. The project will build upon lessons learned in the first year and expand integration of school district oral health policies within district-wide wellness programs, including oral health education from children, parents, and school staff to ensure improved knowledge, attitudes, and behavior among children, while promoting access to dental services through school-based comprehensive dental care programs.