Proposals Now Open for Veterans and School-Related Initiatives to Improve Oral Health Access and Outcomes

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, has launched two grant opportunities aimed at addressing systemic barriers to oral health access. The Requests for Proposals (RFPs) include: (1) School-Based and School-Linked Initiatives to Improve Oral Health Grant as well as (2) Veterans Oral Health Access and Equity Grant. Proposals are now open and are due by May 1, 2024. Ten projects, funded up to $125,000, will be selected for each RFP.

“In our pursuit of a more accessible and equitable oral health system, CareQuest Institute invites proposals aimed at breaking down barriers for our nation’s veterans and strengthening our school-based oral health programs,” said Trenae Simpson, director of grants and programs at CareQuest Institute. “Through these initiatives, we hope to authentically engage and amplify community voices, encourage innovation, and improve health outcomes for those who have often been unheard and left behind in our health and oral health care system.”

School-Based and School-Linked Initiatives to Improve Oral Health Grant

In alignment with its mission to enhance oral health outcomes, CareQuest Institute is inviting proposals for initiatives focused on school-based and school-linked interventions.

Schools can become the center for multiple opportunities to improve the oral health and overall health of the students, increasing their chances to stay in school and succeed in life. School-based and school-linked oral health programs have potential to improve health for children, reducing racial, ethnic, and economic disparities.

Relevant responses to the RFPs should reflect the applicant’s commitment to meaningfully and consistently engage members of the community throughout their proposed project. This definition of engagement goes beyond clinical treatment to nurture environments ripe for community empowerment and justice.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

· Workforce Considerations: Exploring effective student-facing roles (e.g., school nurses) and strategies individuals in these roles use to support the expansion of oral health prevention, messaging, and access to care for students.

· Community Engagement: Advocacy by community members to support policy to implement or expand school-based or school-linked oral health programs.

· Policy Solutions to Improve Oral Health: Local education agency, state, or national policies to support school-based or school-linked oral health programs.

· Expansion of the Capacity of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): School-based oral health programs may either be operated by or partner with FQHCs to refer students and their family members, so that everyone eventually secures a dental home.

· School-Based Technology and Tools: Teledentistry can enable children to receive diagnostic, preventive, and early intervention dental care at their school.

· Alternative Payment Models: A clinical organization piloting innovative clinical, workforce, and workflow solutions to inform and/or validate creative payment models that support school-based or school-linked oral health.

Specific details related to eligibility, proposal requirements, and evaluation criteria can be found on the School-Based and School-Linked Initiatives to Improve Oral Health Request for Proposals page.

Veterans Oral Health Access and Equity Grant

Recognizing the unique oral health challenges facing veterans, CareQuest Institute is also requesting proposals aimed at improving access and care for the 17 million veterans in the United States. Veterans are disproportionately affected by tooth decay and periodontal issues, making this grant opportunity critical in advancing oral health equity among this population.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

· A national organization developing a veteran-focused oral health policy agenda in collaboration with veteran self-advocates and veteran-focused partners.

· A state-based organization hosting community listening sessions and advocacy trainings to strengthen the capacity for oral health advocacy toward expanding access to care.

· A clinical organization piloting innovative clinical, workforce, and workflow solutions to inform and/or validate creative payment models that support oral health care for veterans.

· A community-driven approach where project design and decision-making is led by the veteran community.

Specific details related to eligibility, proposal requirements, and evaluation criteria can be found on the Veterans’ Oral Health: Expanding Access and Equity Request for Proposals page.