Project Purpose
The purpose of this project is to enhance state and local capacities and actions to improve oral health - both oral health in its own right and oral health in relation to systemic/oral health interactions, particularly for poor, racial and ethnic subpopulations that experience disproportionate levels of oral disease. Objectives include: (1) expanding technical assistance to state agencies and state oral health coalitions; (2) promoting progress on action steps articulated by the Surgeon General's A National Call To Action To Promote Oral Health; (3) promoting best use of evidence-validated population-level oral health promotion and disease prevention interventions; (4) coordinating between and among governmental agencies and private organizations on activities that advance oral disease prevention and health promotion; (5) advancing public and organizational policies that address the oral health of high-risk adult populations; and (6) evaluating and disseminating project activities to a wide audience.
The Children's Dental Health Project (CDHP) supports state efforts to enhance their oral health infrastructure through promotion of progressive oral health policy. Specific to this CDC-supported cooperative agreement, CDHP's primary endeavors relate to:
For policymakers, stakeholders, and other interested parties seeking further information and/or additional resources, three pages of links - Grantee States, General, and CDC-related - are available through this website as well.
Background
The topic of oral health has risen considerably in importance within the minds of Americans. Greater understanding and awareness of oral health issues have paved the way for increased concern about oral health as more than a synonym for dental care but rather, a complex and serious health issue that impacts the overall health of the population. In the 2000 Surgeon General's Report - Oral Health In America - Dr. David Satcher recognized the strides that have been made to improve the oral health of Americans but also acknowledged the need for further action in addressing this public health crisis.
Clearly, there is reason for concern. But, there is also reason to be hopeful. The research base for oral health has become more robust, providing evidence-based support for preventive measures such as water fluoridation and dental sealant programs. Major work has been done to understand the effects of socioeconomic factors on health disparities associated with oral health. And oral health has been increasingly portrayed, not as an adjunct to general health, but as a significant contributor to overall health across the lifespan.
CDC-funded Grantee States map:
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The CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP) provides national leadership in areas of health promotion and chronic disease prevention by conducting public health surveillance, epidemiologic studies, and behavioral interventions; by disseminating guidelines and recommendations; and by assisting state health and education agencies to increase their capacity to prevent chronic diseases and promote healthful behaviors.
The NCCDPHP provides roughly $900 million in support of state efforts towards two stages of progress, Capacity Building and Basic Implementation, with regards to such chronic diseases as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The chart below outlines the number of states participating in NCCDPHP chronic disease grant programs for FY 2004. As you can see, all programs have incorporated at least 23 of the 50 states, five of which involve 45-50 states (90-100%), except for the oral health program, which currently funds only 12 states - AK, AR, CO, IL, MI, NV, NY, ND, OR, RI, SC, TX - in the initial stage of Capacity Building. With the goal of a national infrastructure aimed at dramatic improvements in the country's oral health, it is crucial that adequate resources be allocated, and significant attention be paid, to sufficiently reflect CDC's recognition of oral health as a major public health concern. As progress is made through these 12 states, more states may be incorporated into the oral health program; in addition, successful state efforts to build capacity will then allow them to progress to the subsequent stage of Basic Implementation, a significant step towards the sustainability of oral health resources in the states.
CDC Division of Oral Health
CDC/DOH is committed to ensuring that all people, especially those at greater risk for health disparities, will achieve their optimal lifespan with the best possible quality of health in every stage of life. With fiscal year 2006 funding of about $11.7 million, CDC helps states strengthen their oral health programs; promotes oral health in communities, schools, and health care settings nationwide; supports research to strengthen prevention efforts in communities; and, evaluates the cost-effectiveness of prevention strategies. Because population-level, preventive oral health interventions typically require engagement of local, state, and federal government, this project supports CDC's preventive efforts in assisting the states to improve the oral health of the public.
