USAPI Oral Health Program Needs Assessment and Two Case Studies from the COVID Pandemic

Session Description: The U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands face unique challenges in promoting oral health for their populations. Overcoming these require systematic, evidence-based approaches with local and international partnerships. ASTDD recently conducted oral health infrastructure needs/capacity assessments of the USAPI oral health programs (OHP). involving key stakeholders/experts and using culturally relevant, grassroots approaches. These efforts and resulting report were intended to summarize the findings and provide some foundational recommendations upon which OHP could promote and enhance oral health for their populations. The 2020 COVID pandemic confronted the programs with significant challenges that threatened their survival. This session will review some of the report findings, website and listserv postings, and subsequent technical assistance. Two case studies from CNMI and American Samoa will discuss strategic plans and actions taken by each to address the oral health needs of their populations, especially during the pandemic.