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Our Mission

Our mission is to elevate the well-being of all Coloradans by advancing oral health equity.

Health disparities are exacerbated when people do not have access to oral health care. We work each day to increase everyone’s access by prioritizing and funding initiatives in areas that address root causes of oral health inequities.

We address our mission through our Theory of Change.

View Theory of Change

WHAT IS ORAL HEALTH EQUITY?

Achieving oral health equity means that every person can have a healthy mouth, regardless of life circumstances.
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The State of Oral Health In Colorado

of Coloradans reported not visiting a dentist in the past 12 months.
of Coloradans who reported poor oral health, also reported poor general health.
of Black Coloradans reported not being able to access their dental office or clinic due to COVID-19 closures.

Source: 2021 Colorado Health Access Survey

Our initiatives:
Grounded in research and driven by community partnerships, and we are prioritizing three focus areas in order to advance oral health equity across Colorado:

Prevention

Goal: Improve oral health outcomes for children (0-9 years old) and older adults (60+ years old) through evidence-based preventive services, community engagement, and medical-dental integration.

Strategies:

  • Children’s sealants
  • Children’s screening, prevention, and dental home connection
  • Older adult prevention, treatment, and access

Oral Health Care Access

Goal: Ensure oral health is accessible and available to all by engaging providers and stakeholders.

Strategies:

  • Diversification of the oral health workforce
  • Moving the dental therapy workforce from pathway to practice

Proactivity

Goal: Anticipate and address oral health needs and opportunities.

Strategy: Conduct learning circles with key populations and stakeholders across Colorado to learn about emerging and ongoing issues, especially among priority populations.

Our Impact

We amplify our Mile High Smile Power™ each day through the organizations,
individuals, and communities we work with. Learn more about their stories.

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