Oral Health Advocacy in North Dakota: Lessons Learned and Next Steps

Oral health access disparities in ND are significant, particularly for rural, impoverished, and American Indian populations. Key legislators and advocacy organizations were engaged in developing a statewide oral health access strategy. However, dental professions advocacy organizations were successful in defeating legislation to develop mid-level dental providers in the state. Next steps include increasing awareness, expanding the base of advocacy organizations, and ensuring participation of additional legislators.  Personal stories of oral health disparities are being developed to demonstrate the human suffering impact caused by lack of access to oral health services.