Key Accomplishments

Since 2007, in an effort to assist states in taking a proactive approach to policy development, CDHP focused on building a set of tools.  The first to be developed is the “Policy Tool”, which provides a framework for states to use in moving from “evidentiary inputs to policy development”.  Evidentiary inputs include elements such as disease burden (morbidity), available resources such as providers and capital, political will, etc.  The two-part Tool enables stakeholders to assess opportunities for change and develop an action plan for policy/systems change.

A five-state (AR, MI, ND, NV, SC) Pilot Project was designed to test the efficacy, effectiveness, and efficiency of the Tool.  Key findings support the Policy Tool as a useful approach for priority setting and policy/systems development for coalitions or other broad-based groups interested in moving forward strategically.   The Policy Tool activity is a facilitated process and the Cooperative Agreement, through June 2009, supports facilitated sessions using the Policy Tool in CDC-funded states.  In addition, a Guidebook has been developed to provide templates for effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of Policy Tool activities.  The Guidebook is a turnkey document, complete with reproducible/downloadable information.

Future tools available to states through the CDC/CDHP cooperative agreement include training in Systems Dynamics to provide a methodology for ecological, system-wide strategies.  Training for states will be offered through CDC Workshops, Webinars, and pilot activities.  

CDHP has offered information and policy-related technical assistance through a range of Workshops and Presentations, including workshops at CDC, the National Oral Health Conference (NOHC), American Public Health Association (APHA), and National Oral Health Leadership Institute (NOHLI).  These activities enable CDHP to provide information and technical assistance to as many CDC-funded states and non-funded states as possible, while still making available one-on-one technical assistance (in-state or electronic) where requested.  Beyond these activities, CDHP’s outreach activities include presentations before a wide group of traditional and non-traditional audiences.  

Community Water Flouridation and Sealants
CDHP activities that specifically support community water fluoridation and school-based/linked dental sealant programs are multi-faceted.  CDHP participates in the Hunter College/CDC Oral Health Fluoridation Working Group.  

Multicultural Oral Health Alliance (MOHA)
The Cooperative Agreement was also been the sole financial support for development of activities of the Multicultural Oral Health Alliance (MOHA) in 2008 and 2009. Participants include: the Hispanic Dental Association, the National Dental Association, the Society of American Indian Dentistry and the Children’s Dental Health Project.  An initial pilot activity will involve a state-based workshop to highlight promising approaches and provide guidance to expand networking and coordination between state oral health coalitions and potential partners in the represented communities. 

 
About CDC’s Division of Oral Health
CDC’s Division of Oral Health (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 FY’08 – funding at $12.422 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 governments, this project supports CDC's preventive efforts in assisting the states to improve the oral health of the public.

CDC currently provides cooperative agreements for infrastructure development with  (16) states ( AK, AR, CO, CT, GA, LA,  MD, ME, MI, MN, NV, NY, ND, RI, SC,  and WI) funded through CDC cooperative agreements and other CDC Division of Oral Health information, link to: http://www.cdc.gov.