Building State oral health capacity – Perspectives on progress 2003-2008

CDC, HRSA and others have funded capacity building efforts for state oral health programs. Currently, as part of an overall evaluation, CDC is analyzing data from in-depth case studies of four states (Colorado, Nevada, New York, and South Carolina) from the 12 states and one territory they funded during 2003-2008, as well as evaluating progress made by all 13 grantees. This session will report on selected results of the case studies and evaluation findings, include perspectives from funded and non-funded states, and the perspective from the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD). The session would explore factors that strengthen capacity on the state health department level and the value of key components, such as staffing, state oral health plan, state coalition, surveillance system, policy development, evaluation, water fluoridation program, and state sealant program. ASTDD's efforts to define and measure competencies will also be presented.