Oral Health Newsletter Volume 12

The Community Health Center, Inc. (CHCI) and its Weitzman Institute, the research, education, and policy arm of CHCI is organizing a webinar on Integrating Behavioral Health Strategies within Oral Health

Date: March 26, 2024, Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

The webinar hopes to provide dental providers with different strategies to help support patients showing behavioral health challenges. Additional CE credits are available for dentists, physician assistants/associates, psychologists, and social workers. 1.0 CEUs available.

In the golden years of life, good oral health remains a cornerstone of overall well-being. However, data suggests that oral health in long-term care facilities often does not receive the attention it deserves. With a growing population of older adults, as highlighted in the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) Best Practice Approach Report the need for prevention and early dental care is more pressing than ever. Notably, nearly 20% of older adults experience tooth decay, while over 60% have gum issues. These conditions are not just discomforts; they have been linked to systemic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular ailments and life-threatening aspiration pneumonia of periodontal pathogens.

While specific long-term care data on oral health may be sparse, the CDC's data brief on older adults offers a glimpse into the broader challenges faced by this demographic. Such data underscores the importance of targeted grants and robust policies to support oral health initiatives in nursing homes.

Illinois, like many other states, recognizes this issue's gravity. The Illinois Administrative Code Section 300 mandates that long-term care facilities ensure residents receive routine and emergency dental care. However, the Office of Health Care Regulation's data indicates that some facilities fall short of these requirements. Addressing these violations is not just a regulatory matter; it's about protecting our most vulnerable citizens.

To support these efforts, grants aimed at improving oral health in nursing homes are vital. They can provide the funds needed to enhance training, equipment, and access to dental services within these facilities. ASTDD has developed an Older Adult Oral Health Promotion Toolkit a resource that we all can use to develop and implement effective oral health programs.

In late 2023, IDPH funded one grant-based pilot program to train the direct care staff of 100 long-term care facilities. The training curriculum will be offered through modules and cover staff actions that support daily care oral health practices, best practices in disease prevention, and establish provisions for timely dental care for residents when needed. The completion of the pilot phase and evaluation results will help to secure a sustainable funding source so that within 3 years direct care staff from all federally certified long-term care facilities in Illinois will be trained.

The National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center (OHRC) continues to be at the forefront of enhancing oral health services for the nation's mothers and children. As a pivotal player in oral health advocacy, OHRC is currently steering several groundbreaking projects and initiatives that are shaping the landscape of oral health care.

OHRC's involvement in the Consortium for Oral Health Systems Integration and Improvement (COHSII) stands out as a major endeavor. This initiative focuses on integrating oral health care into overall health systems, recognizing the interconnection between oral health and general health. COHSII aims to cultivate best practices, foster collaboration among health professionals, and support policy development that makes holistic health care more accessible. Through this consortium, OHRC is contributing to the creation of a seamless health care experience, where oral health is no longer an isolated element but a crucial part of comprehensive care.

Parallel to its work with COHSII, OHRC actively collaborates with the National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety (NCHBHS). This center's mission aligns closely with OHRC's objectives, working to enhance the health and well-being of children and families by providing national leadership and technical assistance. By focusing on the integration of health, behavioral health, and safety practices, NCHBHS, together with OHRC, addresses the complex needs of the maternal and child population, ensuring that oral health is a key component of their overall strategy.

As a Healthy People 2030 Champion, OHRC has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the vision of a society where all individuals can reach their full potential for health and well-being throughout their lives. In alignment with Healthy People 2030, OHRC's initiatives focus on improving health outcomes, creating environments that promote good health for all, and tracking data to monitor the progress of health improvement efforts. OHRC's programs, like providing resources for health professionals and advocating for policies that support optimal oral health, drive progress toward these national health objectives.

In response to the opioid crisis and its impact on oral health, particularly in pregnant women and children, OHRC has initiated targeted efforts to combat this challenge. Recognizing the unique vulnerabilities of these populations, OHRC is developing resources and training for health care providers to better manage pain while minimizing the risk of opioid misuse. This initiative not only seeks to provide safer alternatives for pain management but also to educate patients about the risks of opioid use and the importance of oral health during and after pregnancy.

As we look ahead, OHRC is poised to launch new projects that will further enhance oral health outcomes for mothers and children. These future projects will likely expand upon current initiatives, focusing on technological advancements in oral health, increased access to care for underserved populations, and the continued integration of oral health within broader health care objectives. OHRC's commitment to innovation and collaboration ensures that these future projects will build upon a strong foundation to improve oral health services and education nationwide.

Stay tuned for more updates from OHRC as they continue to lead the charge in creating a healthier nation, one smile at a time.

For more detailed information on these initiatives or to get involved, please visit the National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center's website at www.mchoralhealth.org. Your support and participation are vital to the success of these health-promoting efforts.

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Illinois Department of Public Health are working to inform and invite Illinois oral health providers to join the Medicaid Dental Program.

Informational Fact Sheets for general dentists and oral surgeons have been developed and posted to the IDPH Oral Health Section webpage or by clicking on the link. We hope that you can share this information with providers who are not already enrolled in the Illinois Medicaid Dental Program. You can find them Through this program, Illinoisans (children and adult members) covered by the Medicaid Dental Program can seek timely access to high-quality dental care.

The Illinois Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA), in partnership with IFLOSS, is excited to announce that they will be hosting the 2024 Illinois Oral Health Conference on July 24-25, 2024 at the BOS Center in Springfield, IL.

This two-day conference will bring together oral health professionals from across the state to discuss important topics related to oral healthcare and dental services in Illinois. The conference planning committee is currently accepting proposals for educational training sessions that align with the conference's goals and focus on key issues like health equity, workforce development, quality improvement, integration of dental and primary care, innovations in dentistry, advocacy, federal reimbursement rates, and more.

Proposed sessions should be interactive and engaging, providing attendees with practical knowledge, skills, and best practices that they can apply in their work. With a mix of workshops, panels, and presentations, this conference will offer invaluable learning and networking opportunities for Illinois' oral health community. Presenters who wish to immerse themselves in the full conference experience will enjoy a $50 discount on the registration fee. Your registration grants access to all IPHCA-sponsored activities and meals throughout the conference.

All session proposals must be submitted through the website by the March 1, 2024 deadline. Guidelines for proposals are available on the site.

Mark your calendars and make plans to join IPHCA and IFLOSS this July in Springfield for two days packed with education, inspiration, and connection. With Illinois dedicated oral health professionals coming together, we can build a brighter, healthier future for oral healthcare across our state. Check out https://www.ifloss.org/events for more details on registration and the full conference schedule. We hope to see you there!