Dental Public Health
Policy and Advocacy

 

About this Course

The three to four hour course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the legislative process, how laws and policies are developed and implemented in the U.S., the impact on oral health policies, and the role of the dental health professional in advocating for and influencing oral health policies.  The course discusses the US policies that regulate or affect the provision of oral healthcare, including coverage of dental care and state practice acts. General information is given about policy issues and delivery systems on the national level; however, the individual instructor can select and customize the lectures to highlight local policy issues in their own states.

Competencies Addressed:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to access and describe the use of population-based health data for health promotion, patient care, and quality improvement

  2. Demonstrate the ability to communicate and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to advocate for policies that impact oral and general health for individuals or populations.

  3. Demonstrate the ability to participate in inter-professional care across the lifespan of people from diverse communities and cultures

Course Objectives

At the completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Identify the roles of the dental profession in advocating for optimal oral and general health for the US population, including underserved and vulnerable populations.

  2. Describe the roles of dental and public health organizations in oral health advocacy.

  3. Educate and promote awareness about the importance of oral health to policy makers and regulatory agencies or officials.

  4. Describe how laws and policies are developed and implemented in the US.

  5. Discuss the US policies that regulate or affect the provisions of oral healthcare, including coverage of dental care and state practice acts.

  6. Describe the role of inter-professional collaborations in advocating for policies that, prevent and treat dental diseases.

 

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COURSE DEVELOPER: Robin Knowles

COURSE CONTRIBUTORS: Dr. Kathryn Ann Atchison, Julie Nocera

  

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Course content includes a PowerPoint Presentation, Instructor Guide, Syllabus, and other material.