Preventing oral disease benefits both the public and private sectors of a community; therefore, a coalition of partners from both sectors may be more effective to reach common goals. The Massachusetts Coalition for Oral Health was formed in late 1997, incorporated in 1998 and became a formal charity in April 1999. Its mission is to improve the oral health of the residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by promoting community-based health education and preventive measures. The Coalition's composition consists of representatives from 12 different organizations, institutions, agencies, and the private sector: the three Boston dental schools and the hygiene school; statewide dentist, hygienist, dental assistant and public health organizations; state and local public health departments; the private dental practice sector; and private sector companies. The Coalition is funded primarily through grants from Delta Dental Plan of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Dental Society. The first goal of the organization was to increase both the percentage of fluoridating communities and the percentage of the population at risk in need of fluoride. Initial results are encouraging as the Coalition assisted 3 communities, affecting over 61,000 people, to achieve public water fluoridation. Public/private partnering can help improve the oral health of the residents of a state.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Identify ways of creating effective statewide advocacy coalitions. 2. Understand ways to assist local communities to promote water fluoridation. 3. Develop strategies to promote oral health
Keywords: Community Collaboration, Community-Based Health Promotion
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Massachusetts Coalition for Oral Health, Inc
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: President of Massachusetts Coalition for Oral Health, Inc.
(a 501(c)3 organization to promote oral health)
No financial interests