Oral Health America’s Message for America
Dentists are fortunate to be in a position where our work supports our lives and our families, but many of us in private practice are not able to serve those who can’t afford our care. As the saying goes, “To whom much is given, much is required.” Dentists should support measures that prevent disease and promote health for hard-to-reach populations—and that’s exactly what Oral Health America does.
Personally, I believe that Oral Health America is efficient with its funds, and takes innovative, creative approaches to extending care to those who need it. Oral Health America collaborates with non-traditional partners through its Smiles Across America program, bringing dental sealants to children in schools, and through partners such as Meals on Wheels, finding ways to serve our burgeoning older adult populations.
Oral Health America is part of our oral health family, an organization that has been able to open doors to care for tens of thousands of Americans. I support Oral Health America and and I hope you will too.
Linda Niessen, DMD
Vice President, Chief Clinical Officer
DENTSPLY International, York, Pennsylvania
Clinical Professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences
and the Office of Communications and Development
Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas
Oral Health America is the nation’s premier independent advocacy group dedicated to improving oral health for all Americans. The organization has a unique mission to increase public awareness of oral health’s importance to total health, and successfully raises the profile of oral healthcare through targeted programs and communications strategies.
Oral Health America’s signature programs include Smiles Across America, Campaign for Oral Health Parity, National Sealant Alliance, National Spit Tobacco Education Program (NSTEP), and the National Periodontal Disease Coalition. Last year, these programs touched the lives of millions of Americans, effectively communicating the message that oral health is health. Smiles Across America and the National Sealant Alliance team up with oral health practitioners in communities throughout the country to ensure that children receive the preventive care they need. NSTEP partners with Little League Baseball on educational campaigns that teach young players about the health risks of spit tobacco, and the Campaign for Oral Health Parity uses the latest research in advocacy communications to make sure that when policymakers and decision makers talk about healthcare, they include oral healthcare. Oral Health America’s newest initiative, the National Periodontal Disease Coalition, combines the strengths of more than 45 member organizations to educate health practitioners about this most common disease and its impact on overall health.
The dental industry has long recognized Oral Health America’s contributions to our country. Its commitment is demonstrated here through a coupon offer valued at $5,000. In addition, your donation to Oral Health America is doubled through DENT-SPLY International’s matching gift program, which matches every donation, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000 per year.
