Regional Coalitions
Regional Coalitions
Your Voice in Arizona for Raising Visibility of Oral Health Issues
Arizona is an incredibly large, diverse state.
In order to promote oral health while being receptive to the needs of specific areas and populations within the states, the regional oral health coalitions provide oral health education to patients and providers, oral health and community resources, and support advocacy efforts to improve the oral health system.
MISSION
To improve the public’s oral and general wellness, with a focus on vulnerable populations, through community partnership
GOALS
1 – Improve oral health literacy
2 – Remove barriers to oral healthcare
3 – Better oral and general health
2020 Focus
1 – Identify Infrastructure
2 – Remove Barriers to Care
3 – Integration: One-Stop-Shop
Contact:
Denise Helm, RDH, Ed.D. | naohcoalition@gmail.com
OUR VISION
Communities Free from Tooth Decay and Other Oral Diseases
OUR MISSION
To eliminate tooth decay and other oral disease through collaboration, education and changing policy
COLLABORATION
All sectors of our communities in seven of Arizona’s fifteen counties; Cochise, Greenlee, Graham, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz and Yuma are welcome!
EDUCATION
Increase awareness of:
- The bacteria responsible for tooth decay is contagious and infectious.
- Dietary choices greatly influence oral health.
- Great oral hygiene starts at home with regular brushing and flossing.
- Children on AHCCCS (Access) have dental coverage.
- Emerging research related to how oral health affects overall health.
CHANGING POLICY
The SAzOHC advocates for:
- Legislation that authorizes a new mid-level provider type dental therapists.
- Legislation that expands comprehensive dental coverage to pregnant women enrolled in AHCCCS of any age in Arizona.
- The passage of legislation that would extend the SNAP (food assistance) benefit to allow coverage for toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste and dental floss.
To learn more, please contact:
southernarizonaoralhealthcoalition@gmail.com
