WE EXIST TO PROMOTE AND ADVOCATE ORAL HEALTH

The policy goal of the WVOHC is to develop state and local policy which supports oral health prevention and a dental home for all West Virginians which aligns with the mission and goals of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Oral Health Advisory Board and the WVOHC.

The West Virginia Oral Health Coalition (WVOHC) was established in June of 2010, and since that time has experienced marked growth and early success. The WVOHC advocates for everyone’s oral health, particularly those who are unable to access basic dental care and preventive.

The West Virginia Oral Health Coalition recognizes and advocates that good health of a mother is essential to the health and development of a child. Providing oral health care to a mother will both potentially keep her healthier and improve the health status of the next generation of West Virginians.

Inadequate access to oral health care is due to a variety of complex factors including a shortage of dental providers, especially in rural areas; not enough providers willing to accept people on medical assistance due to low reimbursement rates; and a gap in affordable insurance options.

The goal of the WVOHC concerning dental care for children and youths is to develop state and local policy which supports oral health prevention and a dental home for every child in WV which aligns with the State Plan, mission and goals of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Oral Health Advisory Board  and the West Virginia Oral Health Coalition.

Oral health is integral to general health. Although preventable, tooth decay is a chronic disease affecting all age groups. In fact, it is the most common chronic disease of childhood. The burden of disease is far worse for those who have limited access to prevention and treatment services. Left untreated, tooth decay can cause pain, tooth loss, and even death.