Unlocking Smiles: Your Guide to the Office of Oral Health

OUR MISSION

At the forefront of oral health in Connecticut, our mission is crystal clear: to elevate the oral health of every individual and tackle disparities head-on. We believe that a healthy smile is a fundamental part of overall well-being, and we’re committed to making that a reality for everyone.

OUR VISION

Imagine a world where dental public health leads the way—where robust infrastructures support vital oral health initiatives. Our vision encompasses just that: providing exceptional leadership and expertise to ensure everyone can access the care they need.

Oral health isn’t just about keeping your teeth white and shiny; it’s a cornerstone of your overall health and happiness. From simple daily routines like brushing to making smart dietary choices, there are countless effective ways to enhance your oral health. Regular dental visits, fluoride treatments, and even tobacco cessation programs can radically improve your well-being.

Our Office of Oral Health (OOH) is your ally in this journey, offering support through:

• Gathering and analyzing critical oral health data
• Establishing a robust oral health surveillance system to identify diseases, inform policies, and evaluate programs
• Leading the charge in collaborative policy development
• Forging community partnerships to tackle oral health challenges head-on
• Empowering the public with knowledge about oral health prevention and overall wellness
• Ensuring equitable access to high-quality, culturally appropriate oral health services
• Championing laws and regulations that safeguard public health

Office of Oral Health Activities – Our Journey and Achievements:

Fluoridation: Team OOH has been tirelessly advocating for the benefits of fluoridation, collaborating closely with the CT DPH’s Drinking Water Section. We provide annual training for water treatment operators across the state. Click here to dive deeper into the significance of fluoridation and its remarkable benefits for oral health!

  

Medical Dental Integration (MDI): With our initiatives, OOH emphasizes the critical link between oral health and overall health. Click here to explore our MDI partnerships and discover more about how we are integrating health services!

• Nutrition and Prediabetes Toolkits for Dental Providers: We crafted these toolkits as part of our inaugural MDI project to seamlessly weave prediabetes screenings and education into everyday dental practices.
• “It’s More Than Just Your Smile” Media Campaign: This initiative was born from our Mobile Medical Dental Integration Project, designed to brush away barriers to oral health services and COVID-19 vaccinations through a dedicated mobile dental vehicle program in underserved areas.

School Sealant Programs: For years, OOH has collaborated with school-based health centers in Hartford and New Haven to highlight the incredible benefits of dental sealants. Click here to learn more about these programs and gain access to essential resources regarding the power of dental sealants in cavity prevention.

  

Surveillance: Our surveillance efforts encompass maintaining the CT Oral Health Surveillance System (COHSS), which enables us to identify disparities in health outcomes and access. For years, we’ve conducted surveys to assess the oral health status of children and older adults in Connecticut. Find the insights from these surveys in The Every Smile Counts Reports. Click here to delve into the COHSS, peruse the reports, and examine oral health data from additional sources.

Unlocking Oral Health Knowledge: