252098 Maryland Leading the Way

Tuesday, November 1, 2011: 4:30 PM

Harry Goodman, DMD, MPH , Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Oral Health, Baltimore, MD
Deamonte Driver a 12 year old died from an abscessed tooth in Maryland in 2007. This presentation will address the actions taken by many individuals from the Governor to the grass roots to ensure that such a tragic, needless event never occur again. Maryland's Secretary of Health initiated the Maryland Dental Action Committee [MDAC]comprised of all related dental groups and institutions as well as other interested individuals. Individuals representing various organizations were not always in agreement, but ultimately the common goal of improved oral health for Maryland's children and youth was achieved. The DAC organized committees and over the course of nearly three years this group developed and achieved most of the seven recommendations which will be elaborated upon. Further, the MDAC recently morphed into the Maryland Dental Action Coalition.

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Chronic disease management and prevention
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs

Learning Objectives:
Describe the seven recommendations .

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I direct and/or oversee public health dental programs, policies and surveillance activities for the State of Maryland in my position as Director, Maryland Office of Oral 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.