Executive Director Pennsylvania Coalition for Oral Health
Disclosure(s):
Helen Hawkey, RDH, PHDHP: No financial relationships to disclose
Description: State oral health coalitions are at the center of the oral health community in most states. They play a crucial role in improving oral health outcomes by bringing together a wide variety of stakeholders, including consumers, providers, policymakers, community organizations, and advocates. The coalitions work to address challenges in access to dental care, promote prevention programs, and influence policy at the state level. They serve as a hub for collaboration, sharing resources, and driving initiatives that improve dental health education, expand access to care, and advocate for fair and just health policies. By uniting voices and efforts, state oral health coalitions play a key role in shaping systems that support oral health and improve outcomes for all residents. Together, state coalitions represent over 200 million people living in America. This roundtable will explore how the American Network of Oral Health Coalitions (ANOHC) advances oral health across the United States by supporting and amplifying the voices of state coalitions. ANOHC serves as a collective voice for state oral health coalitions, driving collaboration, advocacy, and policy change to improve access to care. The presentation will highlight how ANOHC supports its member coalitions through sharing best practices, providing resources, and fostering partnerships to tackle challenges in dental health access. Attendees will learn about ANOHC’s efforts to influence national policy, its role in amplifying grassroots initiatives, and how the network empowers local coalitions to create meaningful impact in their communities. : None
