As a progress and equity network, OPEN seeks out diversity in membership and representation from community, state, and national levels, also referred to as the grassroots, grassmiddles and grasstops, respectively. The diversity of experiences, knowledge, and skills of OPEN members, coupled with a shared vision and purpose, create an opportunity for greater collective impact. Network activities are driven and undertaken by members, and because of this collective empowerment, each member is better equipped to contribute to large-scale change.
Network members believe that oral health is essential to overall health and well-being, and that everyone should have the same opportunity to lead a healthy life. OPEN’s vision is that communities thrive because oral health is valued as essential to well-being, and equitable opportunities ensure that everyone realizes their full potential. The Network’s mission is to ignite change and build collective power to transform individuals, communities, and systems.