An initial step in planning to meet the Health People 2010 Objectives for Oral Health is the assessment of the current capacity and infrastructure to dental public health activities, both nationally and within states. This project collected original data and compiled existing information to assess the presence, size, and scope of activities of state dental public health programs. In addition, this project assessed the presence of dental public health educators and researchers in schools of dentistry and public health; the number, geographic distribution, and professional activities of board-certified specialists in dental public health; and the availability and enrollment in dental public health residency programs. It also examined issues of diversity and distribution of the dental workforce within states, relevant state dental practice acts, and characteristics of dental public health professional organizations. This presentation will summarize some of the key findings from this project.
Learning Objectives: Describe the activities and capacity of state dental public health programs. Discuss issues relevant to the adequacy, diversity, and distribution of the dental public health workforce, including its role in research and education.
Keywords: Oral Health, Public Health Infrastructure
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.