| SWIMMING FOR ORAL HEALTH |
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Liz Rogers, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, is celebrating her 10th anniversary at OHA by participating in the 2.4 mile Peaks to Portland ocean swim in Casco Bay, ME on July 25. Consider supporting Liz's swim with a donation to Oral Health America at any level. Donate on-line, and acknowledge 10th Anniversary Swim for Oral Health in the "in honor of" section of the on-line form. Thank you!
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CONGRATULATIONS! |
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To our HEALTHY SMILE CONTEST WINNERS who sent in photos of their healthy smiles during National Smile Month. Take a look to see the proud new owners of a Philips Sonicare toothbrush! Thanks to everyone who participated, and to Philips Sonicare for our great prizes. |
| ANNUAL FUND
Reaches 25% of Goal
Take a look at our new annual report, and forward this e-news to a friend today! |
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| OHA Staff News |
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Kristen White, e-Communications and Development Coordinator, will be leaving OHA on July 24 to join her fiancé AJ Ghergich in his growing business, Authority Domains, Inc.
Kristen's contributions to OHA have been numerous since she joined the organization in 2008, including improving our visual presence on the Web and in print, our gift processing and our e-communications.
Authority Domains Inc. is a search engine marketing company with a focus on search engine optimization, paid search advertising & social media marketing. Kristen's entrée into the business will give them the ability to grow through her work in website design, programming interface and customer service.
We wish Kristen well and we will miss her!
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OHA Speaks Up for Oral Health's Inclusion in Healthcare Reform
 Oral Health America is working closely with partners including the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and The Dental Health Foundation (DHF) to bring messages about the importance of oral health to Congress. The three organizations collaborated on visits to Capitol Hill in June, targeting representatives from Maine, Illinios, California, and New Hampshire. Return visits are planned for next week.
Dr. Richard W. Valachovic, ADEA's executive director, commended the many oral health groups, including Oral Health America, that are working to mobilize citizens to support inclusion of oral health in health care reform stating, "this is likely the greatest opportunity we will have for years to come to make Congress and the public aware of the huge unmet oral health needs that exist in our nation."
Senate and House offices were extremely receptive to hearing more about oral health; many had an understanding of the connection between oral health and overall health. Representatives are looking for specific recommendations that are not only cost-effective, but that can also "keep the door open" for dental coverage, dental workforce issues, and research.
Oral Health America was also pleased to participate in the Roundtable on Oral Health Disparities on June 30, hosted in Washington, DC, by the Office of Minority Health (OMH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the National Dental Association (NDA). The Roundtable is a continuation of dialogue between OMH and the oral health community, supports the National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities and is intended to mobilize national action related to oral health disparities.
"The current debate over health reform is a significant opportunity for oral health advocates to speak up for this issue that we believe in so strongly," said Beth Truett, President and CEO, Oral Health America. "If the legislative majority's predictions are accurate, we will have a health reform bill on the President's desk in the Fall. We need to make sure that as the legislation is enacted, we have a strong basis for expanding opportunities to improve the public's oral health."
Take the time this month to reach out to your elected officials and let them know that oral health is a vital part of overall health. Find a list of your representatives here: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml. For specific talking points and recommendations, please contact Liz Rogers, Oral Health America's Director of Communications and Public Affairs, liz@oralhealthamerica.org. |
| In Appreciation: Premier Dental
Oral Health America caught up with longtime supporter Premier Dental this week to find out more about their support for our organization. Julie Charlestein, Vice President of Business Development for Premier Dental, responded to our questions:
Premier Dental has been a longtime supporter of Oral Health America. What aspect of Oral Health America's work-access, education or advocacy-is most of interest to the company and why?
OHA is a conduit for us with regard to overall community outreach. Their dedication to and understanding of the total "oral care agenda" is tremendous. We appreciate their involvement in the legislative process, and the grass roots efforts that allow for a greater appreciation of the importance of oral health.
Premier Dental donated 2,000 fluoride varnish applications, a value of $3,700, to Oral Health America for National Smile Month activity in June with the California Dental Hygienists' Association. How is it helpful to have OHA serve as a collaborative entity in donating product in this way?
Premier's Enamel Pro varnish with ACP is an ideal hygiene product - particularly in underserved areas. This is due to its ACP formula which allows the varnish to deliver four times more fluoride uptake than a standard varnish without ACP. This is of particular significance in communities where access to care is sporadic. The increased fluoride gives the members that much more protection. It is these types of innovations that OHA helps to disseminate to the local communities to deliver a more comprehensive solution. We see OHA as partners in ensuring that the best product is delivered to the population most in need. |
Summertime for Smiles Across America®
Oral Health America's Smiles Across America® Program Treatment Partners take extra time during summer months to help promote good oral care practices and make the connection between oral and overall health. Here are some of their plans:
A Healthy Diet Stimulates Good Oral Health
The Aroostock County Action Program (ACAP)Women, Infants and Children's Nutrition Program will host five Family Farm Festivals in Presque Isle, Maine, to promote the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program. The program gives local families the opportunity to sample and buy fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables and pick up recipes and other items to take home. The families will also be educated on how to select, store and prepare the produce they purchase. Hundreds of children and their parents from Central Aroostock have been invited. The event is July 22; August 5, 13 & 19 from 9am-4pm at the Presque Isle WIC office.
Minneapolis Promotes Oral Care
Children's Dental Services (CDS) of Minneapolis will be attending the 15th La Feria Latino Family Resource Fair to promote oral health. CDS will send a bilingual public health staff member to talk with families about oral health and to encourage them to practice good oral hygiene. The staff has prepared fun oral health-inspired games to play with the children, and will give out tooth brushes, tooth paste and Delta Dental tooth fairy bags. The event is estimated to draw 2,000 participants and will be held at the Midtown Farmer's Market in Minneapolis on Saturday August 8th from 10am-2pm.
Uninsured Children Get Treatment
Seal Nevada South, a group dedicated to sealing children's teeth, will be present at two WalMart stores and one Middle School this summer. Dentists from Absolute Dental will be on site providing checkups, fluoride varnish and sealants. Hygienists are needed, any interest can be directed to: Terri Chandler at ccoh@cox.net. The events will take place on Saturday, Aug 8th and 15th and Tuesday, Aug 18th. Approximately 100 uninsured children will be seen at each event.
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Donor Profile: Pam Hemmen
 "When you understand the mission of OHA, it is easy to devote time to its cause. I like the fact that OHA is dedicated to serving others, especially the underserved.
We all have much to be grateful for. In the 15 years that I've been in the dental industry, it has grown significantly. Dentists and dental companies have all enjoyed that success. What better way to give back than to work with an organization like OHA that is dedicated to the needs of others."
Pam Hemmen is Director of Patterson Dental Supply's Technology Center. She has graciously donated her time to Oral Health America to help develop new partnerships and make new friends in the dental industry. Pam has served on Oral Health America's Gala Committee, and has helped to raise a significant amount of funds for OHA's programs at the Annual Gala & Benefit.
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OHA Board Member News
Oral Health America bids farewell to Dr. Kathleen O'Laughlin, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for the American Dental Association, who has resigned from the OHA Board of Directors. We are tremendously grateful for Kathy's time on our Board, and look forward to collaborating with her and with the American Dental Association for years to come.
Dr. Frank Catalanotto, Professor at the University of Florida's College of Dentistry, was appointed Chair of the College's Community Dentistry program. He currently serves as chair of OHA's Legislative Action Committee.
Congratulations to Kathy and Frank!
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