Our Blog
Messaging about the benefits, importance, and safety of community water fluoridation (CWF) vary. This study analyzed what kinds of messages effectively influenced support for CWF. Researchers found that focusing on oral health benefits, health equity, and the safety of CWF in messages significantly predicted support. What next? Policy: Require these focused messages on communications from local systems…
Read More
Children at high-risk for cavities in this Australian study avoided hospitalizations for dental issues when they participated in a treatment regimen that included silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and other preventive measures. The children, and their families, also reported improved oral health related quality of life after this treatment. SDF is a safe, minimally invasive, and low-cost tool…
Read More
This report outlines what we’ve learned since the 2000 Surgeon General’s Oral Health Report. It describes the improvements we’ve made as a nation in improving oral health at a population level, and also outlines disparities and inequities in access and affordability of care that still need to be addressed. What next? Policy: Local, state, and…
Read More
Cancers caused by the humanpapilloma virus (HPV) on the tongue, tonsils, mouth, and throat are rising in the US, particularly among males. The HPV vaccine, usually given to adolescents, is effective at preventing oral cancers caused by HPV. Dental professionals have an opportunity to educate patients and encourage the HPV vaccine to prevent these cancers.…
Read MoreWhen you think of your child’s overall health, does their mouth come to mind? Oral health plays a critical role in the overall health of kids and adults, you can’t be truly healthy without a healthy mouth! At Virginia Health Catalyst we connect with parents, educators, and dental providers to empower families across the commonwealth…
Read MoreSchools aren’t just a place for children to learn, they are a place that can address the health needs of Virginia students. In particular, school-based oral health programs can address the dental care gap many students face. School-based oral health programs address multiple barriers to health care access and support equitable health outcomes by reducing…
Read MoreProgram Manager Virginia Health Catalyst (www.vahealthcatalyst.org) strives to ensure all Virginians have equitable access to comprehensive health care that includes oral health. Catalyst seeks an experienced Program Manager to lead the data initiatives of our growing portfolio of collaborative, health-saving initiatives; this is a full-time, grant-funded position. Specific responsibilities and job requirements are listed below.…
Read MoreCalifornia is the only state in the country with a human right to water enshrined in law that guarantees affordable access to water. Virginia could soon become the second state. On January 26, the Virginia House of Delegates approved House Joint Resolution 538 that recognizes “access to clean, potable, and affordable water is a necessary human right.” There is…
Read More2020 was not the year any of us expected in January! However, I’m proud of the Catalyst team and the way we, and our partners, adapted to the “new normal.” We’ve met each other’s pets, learned the intricacies of Zoom, and tried our best to not talk when we are muted. We’ve also pivoted rapidly…
Read More