Tanya Dorf Brunner, M.S.: No financial relationships to disclose
Description: This roundtable will discuss establishing a dental provider advisory group focused on enhancing access to oral healthcare by encouraging honest conversations and dispelling misconceptions. Over the last several years, centering the voices of individuals with lived experience has enhanced Oral Health Kansas’ mission to improve oral healthcare access for populations that may have a harder time accessing care. Attendees will learn how this experience influenced the formation of a new advisory group that addresses a persistent challenge. As the availability of dental providers continues to be a barrier to care in Kansas and across the nation, listening to and leveraging the voices of the workforce is key to bridging the gap between the workforce and the community, policymakers, and the insurance industry. The advisory group’s insight and experience are driving future advocacy efforts and shared goals. The speaker will share insights into the advisory group's formation, including strategies for engaging dental providers and fostering collaboration. Attendees will learn about key challenges and successes in encouraging Medicaid participation and advocating for care for people with disabilities. This session offers practical takeaways for stakeholders interested in replicating this model to drive systems change and enhance oral health access for all.
Source of
Funding: : United Healthcare (The Kansas Medicaid managed care organization provided a small grant to underwrite the cost of setting up the advisory group and offering stipends to group members.)
