AZOHC emerged from the coordinated effort of multiple organizations and stakeholders who were concerned about the state of oral health in Arizona and the lack of cohesive action to address disparities. In 2015, advocates and leaders held a policy workshop to discuss oral health, which led to the Arizona Oral Health Steering Committee. The Steering Committee participated in the development of the AZ State Oral Health Plan. Ultimately, the Steering Committee became the Arizona Oral Health Coalition in 2016. In 2020, the Coalition underwent multiple structural changes, including reorganizing committees, updating the strategic plan, and completing equity assessments.

The Arizona Oral Health Coalition is dedicated to advancing local, state, and federal policies that improve oral health for all. At the state level, we take pride in assuming a leadership role in advancing state policies that have the potential to improve oral health status, access to oral health care, and address oral health disparities in Arizona.