Sealants Provided in School Settings are Effective

Research shows dental sealants to shield the back teeth could prevent up to 80 percent of cavities in school-aged children. They are quick, easy, and painless to apply – yet according to a new CDC Vital Signs, about 60 percent of school children ages 6-11 years don’t get dental sealants.

Dental sealants are a thin coating that is painted on teeth to protect them from cavities. One way to provide sealants to more children is by increasing their access to school-based sealant programs (SBSPs).

SBSPs are especially important for children from low-income families because such children are less likely to receive dental care. These programs target schools with a high percentage of children eligible for free or reduced-cost meal programs. As a result, SBSPs provide sealants to children who are at higher risk for cavities and less likely to receive preventive care.

Sealants provided in school settings are effective. Recent studies found that dental sealants prevent 80 percent of cavities for two years after application and continue to protect against 50 percent of cavities for up to 4 years after placement. They can be retained in the mouth for as long as nine years.

To learn more, go to CDC Vital Signs.

[Source:  CDPHE Child and School Oral Health]

Delta Dental of Colorado Innovation Grants

"Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation is offering financial support to Colorado-based organizations, entrepreneurs, researchers or individuals to develop and test the most creative ideas and approaches to improve the state’s oral health. Applicants must address how their idea can:

• Significantly improve the quality of oral health care.
• Develop and test new oral health technologies.
• Increase oral health literacy.
• Increase dental practice efficiencies.
• Connect and integrate oral health and overall health.
• Increase focus on prevention and/or early intervention.

Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation will award up to $200,000 to implement innovation grants. Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $50,000. Projects can take up to 18 months to complete.

-Applications need to-
Originate in Colorado – Out-of-state applications will not be accepted.
Demonstrate innovation – New, untested, cutting edge ideas.
Be impactful – Funded ideas will advance the field of oral health in a meaningful way.

Applications will not be considered that are solely for equipment, capital funding, marketing campaigns (e.g., brochures, videos, etc.) and sustaining ongoing programs.

FSubmit an online application by September 1, 2016. The project team can answer questions during the application process. Please contact Lisa Konen at lkonen@ddpco.com

-Key Dates-
Thursday, July 21, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Funding Overview Webinar
Thursday, September 1 – Applications due by 5:00 p.m. MDT
Week of September 19-23 – Applicant meetings/Site visits
Monday, October 17 – Notify applicants of awards
November 1 – Begin issuing grant agreement"
[Source:  Delta Dental Foundation of Colorado]

Delta Dental of Colorado Innovation Grants

"Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation is offering financial support to Colorado-based organizations, entrepreneurs, researchers or individuals to develop and test the most creative ideas and approaches to improve the state’s oral health. Applicants must address how their idea can:

• Significantly improve the quality of oral health care.
• Develop and test new oral health technologies.
• Increase oral health literacy.
• Increase dental practice efficiencies.
• Connect and integrate oral health and overall health.
• Increase focus on prevention and/or early intervention.

Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation will award up to $200,000 to implement innovation grants. Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $50,000. Projects can take up to 18 months to complete.

-Applications need to-
Originate in Colorado – Out-of-state applications will not be accepted.
Demonstrate innovation – New, untested, cutting edge ideas.
Be impactful – Funded ideas will advance the field of oral health in a meaningful way.

Applications will not be considered that are solely for equipment, capital funding, marketing campaigns (e.g., brochures, videos, etc.) and sustaining ongoing programs.

Submit an online application by September 1, 2016. The project team can answer questions during the application process. Please contact Lisa Konen at lkonen@ddpco.com

-Key Dates-
Thursday, July 21, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Funding Overview Webinar
Thursday, September 1 – Applications due by 5:00 p.m. MDT
Week of September 19-23 – Applicant meetings/Site visits
Monday, October 17 – Notify applicants of awards
November 1 – Begin issuing grant agreement"
[Source:  Delta Dental Foundation of Colorado]

Free Dental Screening and Exam Provided by Dental Students

“The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine senior students are currently looking for patients to participate in clinical board exams. All applicants will receive free dental x-rays and a screening exam. Patients who qualify may receive up to two free filings and/or a free cleaning, plus compensation for their time. Click here to learn more, including qualifying criteria and dates.” [Source: University of Colorado]

Free dental care on Give Kids a Smile Day, Feb. 5!

"Dentists across Colorado have registered for Give a Kids a Smile Day (February 5) to provide free dental attention to children who are without dental insurance and from low-income families. There are appointments available in facilities in Aurora, Castle Rock, Commerce City, Denver, Louisville, and Westminster. Click here for more information and to schedule an appointment." [Source: Colorado Dental Association]

REGISTER TODAY: ClinicNET's Dental Lifeline Network Webinar Jan. 26, noon-1pm

ClinicNET is hosting a webinar on January 26th, noon-1pm, featuring Jenifer Koberstein, VP of Program Services, at Dental Lifeline Network. She will be discussing two programs in Colorado:

• Donated Dental Services (DDS) program: dentists provide free, comprehensive dental treatment to people of all ages who are permanently disabled, elderly or medically fragile and lack adequate income to pay for needed dental care.
• Dental HouseCalls: brings care to people who cannot easily travel to dentist’s offices, including residents of nursing homes, homebound individuals and people with developmental disabilities.

Join us on your lunch break to learn more about these programs, how you can participate and engage in a discussion about oral health needs in Colorado. *Both primary care and oral health clinics can benefit from a relationship with Dental Lifeline Network. Click here to register!

Please contact JoJo Gelderman at johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org with any questions.

ClinicNET's Dental Lifeline Network Webinar Jan. 26, noon-1pm

ClinicNET is hosting a webinar on January 26th, noon-1pm, featuring Jenifer Koberstein, VP of Program Services, at Dental Lifeline Network. She will be discussing two programs in Colorado:

• Donated Dental Services (DDS) program: dentists provide free, comprehensive dental treatment to people of all ages who are permanently disabled, elderly or medically fragile and lack adequate income to pay for needed dental care.
• Dental HouseCalls: brings care to people who cannot easily travel to dentist’s offices, including residents of nursing homes, homebound individuals and people with developmental disabilities.

Join us on your lunch break to learn more about these programs, how you can participate and engage in a discussion about oral health needs in Colorado. *Both primary care and oral health clinics can benefit from a relationship with Dental Lifeline Network. Click here to register!

Please contact JoJo Gelderman at johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org with any questions.

Campaign to raise Latino awareness of safe, fluoridated tap water

“Colorado Public Radio recently covered a collaborative campaign aimed at letting Latinos know Denver tap water is safe and clean. The Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation is partnering with a community group called Westwood Unidos to get the word out. Many Latino families suspicious of tap water turn to other, less healthy drinks, depriving their children and themselves of the positive health effects of safe, fluoridated water.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends communities fluoridate their water supplies and urges all Coloradans to drink safe, fluoridated tap water. Fluoridated water can help reduce cavities in children by as much as 40 percent, avoiding the cost of dental visits and the pain of tooth decay. To learn more, go to Colorado Public Radio or visit the CDPHE fluoride safety web page.” [Source: COPrevent]

Recorded ClinicNET Webinar: Oral Health in Colorado

We hosted an Oral Health in Colorado webinar on October 6, featuring Deb Foote, Executive Director of Oral Health Colorado, and Cherith Flowerday, Associate Program Officer at Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation. Click here to view the recording and learn more about what to expect for the future of oral health in Colorado and discuss current and new oral health initiatives and opportunities for your clinic!

Audio and powerpoint slides from all ClinicNET webinars are on the Affiliate Only section of the ClinicNET website.

ClinicNET Oral Health Webinar Oct. 6 noon-1pm, REGISTER TODAY!

ClinicNET is hosting a webinar on October 6, noon-1pm featuring Deb Foote, Executive Director of Oral Health Colorado, and Cherith Flowerday, Associate Program Officer at Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation. Join us on your lunch break to learn more about what to expect for the future of oral health in Colorado and discuss current and new oral health initiatives and opportunities for your clinic! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!

Please contact JoJo Gelderman at johanna.gelderman@clinicnet.org with any questions.

Qualis Health Published Actionable Framework for Integrating Oral Health in Primary Care

“Qualis Health recently published a white paper: "Oral Health: An Essential Component of Primary Care.” This new white paper makes the case for incorporating preventive oral healthcare as a component of routine medical care and structuring referrals to dentistry. The Oral Health Delivery Framework provides a practical method for primary care teams of all types to engage patients and families in the prevention and early detection of oral disease.

All resources are available at: www.QualisHealth.org/white-paper. A short promotional video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XPxDSiR9ig&feature=youtu.be” [Source: Qualis Health]

Finding and Building Oral Health Champions in Your Community, Workshop July 16

“There are vast opportunities to grow a network of voices speaking about and acting upon the importance of children's oral health in Colorado. Local leaders are the key to influencing positive change about this issue; if they have the right tools and messages.

Please join Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation and Oral Health Colorado for a one-day workshop, July 16, 10am-3:30pm, to learn how to focus your efforts and improve children's oral health in your community. The workshop is at Table Mountain Inn, 1310 Washington Ave., Golden, CO 80401. We will present tangible ideas, based on months of research, for reaching leaders in business, non-profit, government and faith-based arenas. You will learn about activating these leaders as well as engaging media and policymakers. All attendees will leave with a toolkit to use to develop a framework for outreach. RSVP to Monica Woods, Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation, at mwoods@ddpco.com.” [Source: Delta Dental of Colorado]

Delta Dental Request for Applications: Oral Health Mini-Grant Project

“Delta Dental of Colorado issued a statewide request for applications (RFA) to fund projects working to improve children's oral health in local settings. Approximately $100,000 in funding is available through this RFA, with awards ranging from $1,000 - $15,000 per grant.

This Friday, May 22nd, 11:00am -12:00pm there will be a project overview teleconference to discuss the RFA and answer questions. To join call 877-820-7831 and enter participant code 7529864#.

Important Dates (click here for more information):

• May 22: Project Overview Teleconference
• June 12: Applications Due
• August 21: Notify Applicants of Awards
• October 1: Letters of Agreement Issued.” [Source: Delta Dental of Colorado]

Caring for Colorado funding opportunity: SMILES Dental Home Project

“Caring for Colorado announced a funding opportunity to improve access to oral health care for vulnerable and underserved populations. Click here to view more information on the SMILES Dental Home Project – Spanning Miles In Linking Everyone to Services. Here are some key dates:

• May 15, 2015 – Caring for Colorado’s on-line grant application will be available.  To access the application go to www.caringforcolorado.org.
• May 27, 2015 – Caring for Colorado will host a webinar, at 10:00 AM, to describe the project and give guidance for the application. Registration for the webinar is required. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7622780341141267714.
• July 1, 2015 – Application deadline.

Please direct any questions to Colleen Lampron, SMILES Dental Home Project Director at clampron@caringforcolorado.org.“ [Source: COPrevent]

Grants Promote Oral Health Care for People in Need

“The Dental Trade Alliance Foundation is dedicated to supporting promising initiatives that achieve measurable impact and facilitate real change in oral health care. The Foundation is offering grants of up to $25,000 for innovative, sustainable, scalable projects designed to increase access to oral health care for those in need. Funded projects should not only improve access to oral care in their immediate area, but also have the potential to grow and be implemented in other areas of the country. Applications are accepted from dental organizations, dental schools, universities, government organizations, and nonprofit organizations for programs located in the United States and its territories. (The Foundation is also offering one Foundation/Dental Lifeline Network Grant of up to $25,000 for a project specifically related to providing access to dentistry for individuals with disabilities, or who are elderly or medically compromised.) The application deadline is May 27, 2015. Visit the Foundation’s website to download the application guidelines and forms.” [Source: Dental Trade Alliance Foundation]

Oral Health Colorado blog: New fluoride recommendation from Department of Health and Human Services

In April, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced its final recommendation for the optimal fluoride level in drinking water to prevent tooth decay at 0.7 milligrams per liter. Click here to read Deb Foote’s blog on how HHS came to its decision and what it means to oral health in Colorado.

Delta Dental Request for Applications: Oral Health Mini-Grant Project

“Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood condition and yet preventable. By supporting projects that increase access to care and address the causes of the disease and impacting systems, the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation has a unique approach to fighting childhood cavities. Now, we're looking for creative partners to join us on our journey.

Our statewide request for applications (RFA) has been issued to fund projects working to improve children's oral health in local settings. Approximately $100,000 in funding is available through this RFA, with awards ranging from $1,000 - $15,000 per grant.

We are looking for non-profit organizations and individuals who aim to improve children's oral health in Colorado. Applications may include requests for funding projects that take up to one year to complete. Funding is also available for a one time use. Applications are due June 12, 2015.

Important Dates (click here for more information):

• May 22: Project Overview Teleconference
• June 12: Applications Due
• August 21: Notify Applicants of Awards
• October 1: Letters of Agreement Issued.” [Source: Delta Dental of Colorado]

Oral health webinar on improving care and reducing costs, April 24th

“Oral health is linked to overall health, and mounting evidence suggests that addressing oral health can improve patient care, improve population health and reduce costs. In this webinar, a leading researcher will share findings from a study of private insurance claims linking treatment of gum disease with significantly lower costs for individuals with diabetes and other chronic conditions. You will also hear about a program under way at Hennepin Health in Minnesota to connect patients with regular dental care and prevent costly visits to hospital emergency departments. And NASHP will provide an overview of a new brief and online toolkit that explore these topics and draw out lessons for state policymakers. The webinar is April 24, 2:00-3:00EST. Click here to register.” [Source: COPrevent]

NASHP Webinar: Oral Health – Evidence and Strategies to Improve Care and Reduce Costs

Webinar: Oral Health – Evidence and Strategies to Improve Care and Reduce Costs
Friday, April 24, 2:00-3:00 PM EST
Register Here

"Oral health is linked to overall health, and mounting evidence suggests that addressing oral health can improve patient care, improve population health, and reduce costs. In this webinar hosted by the National Academy for State Health Policy, a leading researcher will share findings from a study of private insurance claims linking treatment of gum disease with significantly lower costs for individuals with diabetes and other chronic conditions.  You will also hear about a program under way at Hennepin Health in Minnesota to connect patients with regular dental care and prevent costly visits to hospital emergency departments. And NASHP will provide an overview of a new brief and online toolkit that explore these topics and draw out lessons for state policymakers.” [Source: NASHP]

Oral Health Colorado’s Industry News and Updates

“Dental Trade Alliance Foundation: If your organization has an innovative project designed to improve oral health care for the growing number of needy Americans and would like to be considered for a grant, please review the guidelines. Each applicant must demonstrate that their innovative project will not only improve access to oral care in their immediate area, but also have the potential to grow and be implemented in other areas of the country.  Each applicant must complete the electronic 2015 DTA Foundation Grant Proposal Application Form. Grant applications are due no later than May 27, 2015.

DentaQuest Foundation Information Webinars: The DentaQuest Foundation is hosting a series of informational webinars on each of the Oral Health 2020 Targets over the next few weeks.  These target webinars will focus on regrounding us in the importance of each target, sharing a vision for how the target can be realized, hearing from the leaders in the field about what’s happening today, and wrapping up with exploring where we still need to go from here. Click on the links below to register for the webinar.

• April 13 - Measurement - 2 pm EDT
• April 14 - Patient-Centered Care - 4 pm EDT
• April 14 - Medicaid - 4 pm EDT (Note: This is at the same time at a different phone number)
• April 20 - Children - 3 pm EDT
• April 22 - Schools - 2 pm EDT

Healthcare Policy and Finance Update: In case you missed the HCPF Colorado Medicaid Dental Program updates, here is a link for review. The revisions to the Adult Dental Services rule passed its final reading for permanent adoption at the Medical Services Board (MSB) meeting on March 13, 2015 and will be effective on April 30, 2015. The final version will be made available on the Code of Colorado Regulations website. Dental updates begin on page 7.” [Source: Oral Health Colorado]