Centering Lived Experience: Improving Oral Health through Policy and Program Planning

Session Description: Putting the people affected by policy and program decisions at the heart of planning changes the game. Instead of decisions coming from government, professionals, or academia, it shifts the focus to valuing the real experiences of individuals. Whether it's living with dental disease, lacking insurance, struggling to find providers, or facing discrimination, these experiences shape how or if people participate in care models. Programs and funders aiming to center people in their collaborations are learning that it takes careful planning to truly and meaningfully include lived experiences in decision-making. This session will showcase examples from state oral health coalitions putting people at the center of their health policy and advocacy work, offering insights on how organizations can deepen their dedication to health improvement for all by developing their own approaches to incorporate lived experiences into their organization.