Oral Health Colorado (OHCO)

Background Statement

History:

2003 - Supported by the CDC and CPHE, Oral Health Awareness Colorado! formed as a coalition dedicated to improving the oral health of Coloradans.

2004 - OHAC! convened a state-wide summit to identify key issues to be addressed in a State Oral Health Plan. Using data and ideas generated at the summit, OHAC! developed the plan, "Smart Mouths, Healthy Bodies: An Action Plan to Improve the Oral Health of Coloradans". Coalition members were largely responsible for the success of the plan, as demonstrated in a recent evaluation.

2007 - OHAC! added a Managing Director. The Director was active in hearings on state health care reform. Her participation was the primary reason that oral health was integrated into the process.

2010 - Oral Health Colorado (formerly OHAC!) reinvented itself to meet new advocacy challenges.

2011 -- Oral Health Colorado became a 501(c)(3) organization and obtained a $100,000 planning grant focused on school based oral health care

2012 -- The revised Colorado Oral Health plan was launched as a web-based document easily providing access to information and data.

- A Medicaid adult dental benefit was passed by the Colorado Legislatiure

- A Community grants program administered by CDPHE was passed by the legislature

- OHCO developed and disseminated 4 issues briefs regarding oral health

2013-2017

● Developing a "Smart Mouths Smart Kids" toolkit to increase access to oral health care for school children.

● Increasing funding and adding dental services for children enrolled in CHIP.

● Advocating for legislation to improve access to care in remote areas.

● Piloting a faith-based African-American Oral Health Curriculum.

● Defeating anti-fluoridation legislation.

● Supporting $5 million in incentives for dental providers to accept Medicaid.