Central Mass Oral Health Initiative
Purpose and Evolution
In response to the oral health crisis identified by a Special Commission of the Massachusetts State Legislature, the Worcester District Dental Society took local action to address the lack of access to dental care in Worcester and surrounding communities. The District Dental Society organized a widespread community coalition - the Central Massachusetts Oral Health Initiative (CMOHI) and pursued grant funding. The goals of the CMOHI are twofold:
- To increase access to oral health services for those on MassHealth or the uninsured who cannot obtain services in Central Massachusetts; and
- To serve as a role model for oral health services that can be replicated across the state and thus increase access to oral health services statewide.
Given the Office of Community Program’s (OCP) involvement in dental programs and its experience in grant administration, the CMOHI chose to house its grants within OCP.
Current Strategies
CMOHI is currently concentrating its efforts on five key strategies. These strategies represent a comprehensive approach to provide a combination of preventive and treatment services that hold promise for long-term sustainability, while maintaining efforts to create systemic change.
- School-Based Services: Screening, Fluoride Rinse, Dental Sealants and Referral.
- Increased Access to Clinical Dental Care: Increasing capacity to serve those in need through existing health centers with enhanced staff and volunteers.
- Health Professionals Dental Education: Educating medical students and health professionals about the need for, and methods of oral health screening, preventive care, and providing referrals.
- Advocacy: Garnering legislative and regulatory support for CMOHI efforts.
- Dental Residency Program (New): Creating a high-quality dental education program that is well-integrated with the general medical curricula and raising awareness of the need for increased oral health access, particularly among the poor or uninsured.
Want more information?
Check out Past Accomplishments (PDF)
Check out the CMOHI Web site for more information on funding available and past grants awarded.
Check out the most recent CMOHI evaluation report
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