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Consortium for Oral Health Systems Integration and Improvement

MCH Oral Health Think Tank


Purpose

To inform discussions about integrating oral health care in safety net settings serving the maternal and child health (MCH) population, the Consortium for Oral Health Systems Integration and Improvement (COHSII) has convened an MCH Oral Health Think Tank (“Think Tank”) consisting of 10 members with expertise related to integrating oral health care in safety net settings serving the MCH population. James Crall, COHSII consultant, serves as chair of the Think Tank.

Think Tank members are helping COHSII review programs from across the country to identify successful, long-standing statewide programs. Think Tank members are also providing input on interview questions to ask the identified programs. COHSII staff and consultants will conduct interviews, synthesize information, and convene a virtual meeting of Think Tank members to discuss the information. To summarize the findings, COHSII will prepare and submit a report to Maternal and Child Health Bureau.

The report focusing on integrating oral health care in safety net settings serving the MCH population will highlight the following:

  • Examples of successful, long-standing statewide programs.
  • Key factors (drivers and barriers) at state and site levels that support or limit the integration of oral health care in safety net settings serving the MCH population.
  • Strategies to overcome barriers at state and site levels to enhance integration of oral health care in safety net settings serving the MCH population.
  • Examples of how technical assistance provides a catalyst for program, policy, and/or systems development and implementation.

Think Tank members will also provide input to MCHB about emerging oral health issues, especially those with potential to impact the MCH population, and about systemic barriers that perpetuate oral health disparities.

Members

  • Adam Barefoot (ex officio), Health Resources and Services Administration
  • Lauren Barone, American Academy of Pediatrics
  • Sarah Borgida, Arcora Foundation
  • Mark Casey, North Carolina Medicaid; North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
  • Chris Farrell, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
  • Judith Haber, Oral Health Nursing Education and Practice, New York University, School of Nursing
  • Sarah Bedard Holland, Virginia Health Catalyst
  • Jay Kumar, California Department of Public Health
  • Rocio Quinonez, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Dentistry
  • Hugh Silk, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health

For general information about the project, contact OHRC.