ORAL HEALTH WORKING GROUP Membership
Sarah Kuh, Chair
Peter Strock
Tony Teixeira
The Oral Health Working Group
In response to the local crisis in oral health, a community-based working group on oral health was formed in June 2003 under the auspices of the Dukes County Health Council. The Oral Health Working Group includes dentists, the schools, and relevant agencies, such as visiting nurses. The group’s goal is an Island-wide structure and program for oral health prevention, access, and direct services.
The Oral Health Working Group has assessed to see how local dentists can participate in supporting the dental center in particular and oral health services in general. For example, dentists can: become preceptors for dental students who could provide needed oral health services; agree to accept a sliding-fee scale for lower-income patients; or assist with school-based outreach and screening programs. The group will also coordinate prevention and educational programs and develop a plan for addressing how to ensure appropriate fluoride intake, especially for children.
Major Program Goals
1. Increase capacity for oral health services for low-income residents of Martha’s Vineyard.
2. Develop comprehensive prevention/education program.
3. Increase public awareness and support for oral health services.
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