January 2020 Newsletter

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We’re off to a great start in the new year! As you settle back into work after the holidays, take a moment to catch up with NCOHC and learn about our work advancing optimal oral health in 2020.   

In this newsletter, you’ll find an important update on our regulatory rule change to increase access to preventive oral health care for underserved North Carolinians. You’ll also learn more about emerging research into the oral-systemic connection and find some fun facts about fluoride.  

This month, we also want to spotlight and congratulate our advisory team member, Dr. Jane Weintraub — read on to see what she’s up to! 

As we jump into 2020, I am looking forward to seeing each of you across the state. The landscape is ripe for change, and NCOHC looks forward to working alongside you in achieving optimal oral health for ALL North Carolinians. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Zachary Brian 

P.S. We just launched our NCOHC Facebook page! Follow us to stay up-to-date on all things oral health in North Carolina! 

Rule Change to Increase Access for Underserved North Carolinians PASSES 

In December, the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners (NCSBDE) unanimously approved a rule change that we co-sponsored with the North Carolina Dental Society (NCDS). Earlier today, the Rules Review Commission gave its final approval!

This rule change will increase access to preventive oral health care for some of North Carolina’s most vulnerable populations. 

“This rule change is a major step forward in addressing access disparities facing underserved populations in North Carolina, and we’re primed to advocate for further policy initiatives in the year ahead.” -Dr. Zachary Brian  

Thank you for your efforts to support increased access to optimal oral health care for North Carolinians. This rule change would not be possible without the tireless advocacy of oral health champions like you!  

For more information on the rule change, what it means for dental hygienists, and how it will increase access for the underserved in our state, check out our recent NCOHC blog post.  

Campbell Students Join NCOHC for Legislative Advocacy 

Earlier this week three Campbell University MPH students joined NCOHC staff for a trip to the North Carolina General Assembly. The students, who completed an oral health practicum experience led by NCOHC in the fall 2019 semester, met with several state legislators to discuss the state of oral health access and care in North Carolina.

Joint Workgroup to Address Prescription Drug Safety in Dentistry 

NCDS is partnering with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the North Carolina Department of Justice to address pain management after dental treatment. 

Their new brochure, “Managing Pain After Dental Treatment,” provides information about opioid risks, precautions patients can take to avoid misuse, and instructions on how to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body

This week we launched a three-part series highlighting the oral-systemic connection. Part One focuses on the connection between oral health and cardiovascular disease.  

Check it out and stay tuned for more when we break down the connections between oral health and diabetes, and oral health and pregnancy outcomes.  

Oral Health in the New Year 

As we head into 2020, we hope you’ll read and share NCOHC’s New Year’s resolutions and recommendations for great oral health in the year ahead.  

Bananas, avocados, shrimp, coffee, and many other everyday foods and beverages contain naturally occurring fluoride.  

Check out our recent post about fluoride and its health benefits, as well as common misinformation that continues to circulate.  

Eastern Regional Convening

We are looking forward to joining a dynamic group of oral health leaders for our Eastern Grass Tops Regional Convening in Greenville on March 26, 2020.  

We’ll discuss the oral health landscape, learn about challenges local groups are facing, and outline opportunities and resources to address gaps and challenges in Eastern North Carolina.  

If you are interested in attending the convening, reach out to Kelsey Ross Dew today for more information. 

Do you want to learn more and get involved?  

Be sure to follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook; forward this newsletter to family, friends, and colleagues; and if you haven’t already, sign up to become an NCOHC member — it’s free! 

Finally, if you or your partner organizations are advancing oral health access and equity in innovative ways, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Brady Blackburn to collaborate and potentially showcase your work in an upcoming newsletter!