234285 Implications of healthcare reform for state oral health program infrastructure and capacity

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 : 11:10 AM - 11:30 AM

Theresa Anselmo, MPH , Dental Director, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver, CO
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law on Tuesday, March 23, 2010. The law is bringing much needed reforms to the health care system, with substantial enhancements of the public health system, in general, and specifically for public oral health programs. The provisions impacting oral health are broad and could be a major step forward in public health efforts to improve the Nation's oral health. From near universal dental insurance for children to strengthened prevention efforts, the major changes will result in an oral health care system that is more fair and just. State oral health programs are a critical juncture linking state and federal resources to local programs, but often lack the resources to accomplish basic public health functions. The presenter will review some of the major provisions affecting oral health, the status of the appropriations process, and the potential impact on state oral health programs and the local programs within their jurisdiction.

Learning Areas:
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines

Learning Objectives:
Discuss the oral health provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the challenges for ensuring appropriations for new or expanded programs. Describe the potential impact of the oral health provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on state and local oral health programs.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the Dental Director for the State of Colorado, with education in dental hygiene and public health.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.