Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment
Participants should be aware of the following financial/non-financial relationships: . Jenni Lansing, MPH, MBA, RDH: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Katya Mauritson, n/a: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Julie Teter, RDH, M.Ed: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.. Arlene Guagliano, DHSc, RDH: I do not have any relevant financial / non-financial relationships with any proprietary interests.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE Medical-dental-behavioral health integration strategies require creativity and dedication. Colorado and Maryland have approached integration through a model of established regional oral health experts. This session will offer strategies and lessons learned from the Colorado Regional Oral Health Specialist (ROHS) and Maryland Regional Oral Health Coordinator (ROHC) models.
METHODS The ROHS/ROHC models have been implementing core oral public health functions for over ten years. ROHS/ROHCs serve as oral health liaisons throughout the state. They develop critical partnerships and implement both innovative and evidence-based programs to improve oral health outcomes and decrease disparities in communities. ROHS/ROHCs collaborate with clinical and safety-net partners to overcome barriers experienced in underserved communities, engage diverse organizations, conduct educational outreach, deliver and/or link individuals to services, and disseminate oral hygiene supplies to persons in need.
RESULTS ROHCs/ROHS have successfully implemented ongoing medical-dental-behavioral health integration strategies, raised oral health awareness, and improved the oral health of their regions. The ROHC/ROHS model continues to identify available services, determine oral health needs, and integrate oral health prevention into existing community programs. By implementing evidence-based and innovative approaches to increase access to disease prevention/management activities, these models support systems change locally and statewide to improve oral health outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS States have the opportunity to deliver tailored approaches to comprehensive interventions by establishing oral public health experts in geographically underserved regions. ROHC/ROHS models expand chronic disease prevention/management strategies that serve to decrease health disparities and improve oral health outcomes in communities.
Source of Funding: Colorado: CDC, HRSA, and State General Funds Maryland: HRSA and State General Funds
