Posts by Anderson Hayes
Promoting Support for Community Water Fluoridation
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 MoreSilver Diamine Fluoride Protocol for Reducing Preventable Dental Hospitalisations in Victorian Children
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 MoreOral Health in America: Advances and Challenges
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 MoreMaking the case for interprofessional education and practice collaboration to address rising rates of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers
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 MoreImproving Oral Health in Virginia’s Schools
Schools 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. What are school-based oral health programs? School-based oral health programs address multiple barriers to health care access and…
Read MoreWe’re Hiring!
Program 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 MoreGuest Post: Virginia Medicaid has the Opportunity to Provide True Comprehensive Care by Including Dental Coverage
The following guest post is written by twelve health philanthropies from across Virginia. It is the first time these organizations have spoken out on a policy issue. It may surprise you to know that one of the biggest unmet needs in Virginia is dental care, but it doesn’t have to be. Dental care is not…
Read MoreLegislative Day Recap
Today on January 28th, 2020 Virginia Health Catalyst hosted our annual Legislative Action Day, where constituents meet with their legislators to talk about the importance of oral health and advocate for an adult dental benefit in Medicaid. Thank you to all who attended and to all of our partners who shared this important day with…
Read MoreDMAS Study Highlights Need for Dental Benefit
A study released today by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) found a high usage of the emergency department (ED) for dental issues among Medicaid recipients. Currently, Virginia’s Medicaid program does not provide a comprehensive dental benefit for all enrollees. In 2018, nearly 16,000 Medicaid recipients visited the ED roughly 19,000 times for…
Read MoreWhat Happens In Vegas…
Virginia Health Catalyst serves as a statewide convener and trusted advisor on oral health integration; we do not, however, provide direct care in communities. Because of this, we rely on our incredible partners across the state to lift up “boots on the ground” issues like challenges at the clinic, barriers to accessing care, and policy…
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