Influence of Government and Policy on Community Oral Health

The use of academic research to influence public policy and ultimately influence public health is often viewed as slow, circuitous and cumbersome. These arguments often examine a tradeoff between academic freedoms, research of topics of debatable relevance to public policy and improvements in health for the population. This talk with discuss the role of academic research in influencing public policy, the issues associated with conducting research and using research results to influence policy and the qualities of research and public policies that are effective in accomplishing the goals of improved health of the population. Special emphasis will be placed on access to care and insurance coverage as critical components of this equation. Additionally the author will discuss unintended benefits/consequences of legislative approaches to improving oral health.