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What’s New at the Office of Oral Health? |
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 Communications:
§ The Office of Oral Health is now on Facebook!
§  View the 2012 March/April Oral Health Newsletter!
*UPDATED 3/7/12*
Brochures/Forms:
§ Service Request Form
 Please fill out the 2-sided form and return to our office via email or fax if you are requesting assistance for a Boston fair/event or presentation/workshop.
§ Resource Brochure to find free or low-cost dental services in Boston. *UPDATED January 2012*
§ What to Expect at Your Dental Appointment for children, adults, and elders:
Child-English Adult-English Elder-English
Child-Spanish Adult-Spanish Elder-Spanish
§ Meet the Office of Oral Health Team.
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Announcements |
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration Releases Consumer Update Against Arm & Hammer Spinbrush and Crest Spinbrush-Choking Hazard
 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns consumers to be aware of the potential hazards and injuries that may occur when using certain types of electric toothbrushes. The FDA states, "We've had reports in which parts of the toothbrush broke off during use and were released into the mouth with great speed, causing broken teeth and presenting a choking hazard." The FDA regulates both manual and electric toothbrushes as medical devices intended to prevent tooth decay. “Electric toothbrushes can be very effective in removing dental plaque, and so they can help prevent dental decay and gum disease,” says Susan Runner, D.D.S., chief of FDA’s dental devices branch. “At the same time, it’s important to supervise children when they use these brushes, and to look out for any malfunctions of the toothbrush that might cause an injury.” *Added 2/17/12*
Hispanics Open Up About Oral Health Care
 A recent national survey released November 2011, of the U.S. Hispanic population reveals gaps in oral health knowledge and access to oral health care. Hispanics are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population, and the study indicates that many Hispanics across the U.S. are not adequately caring for their mouths, teeth and gums; many do not see a dentist regularly; many are not passing on good oral health care habits to their children; and many misperceptions about oral health care exist. The survey was performed by a collaboration between the Hispanic Dental Association, Crest, and Oral-B. Follow the LINK to find a mini report of the survey AND a downloadable brochure that highlights key facts and debunks top misperceptions about oral care to help you talk with your dental professional at your next appointment. We urge you to spread the word on the importance of good oral health!
Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers Releases 2010-2011 Report "Impact of Cuts to Medicaid and Commonwealth Care Adult Dental Coverage on Massachusetts Community Health Centers":
 This report provides comprehensive data from all 48 health center dental sites regarding the level and nature of demand for adult dental services after the cuts; the strategies employed by health centers for meeting that demand; and the significant remaining gaps in access to dental services for the Commonwealth’s adult dental Medicaid and Commonwealth Care populations. The report demonstrates how community health centers continue to respond to the challenge of providing quality, comprehensive dental treatment to the state’s most vulnerable population’s amidst ever changing state dental policies. However, this report also showcases the tremendous burden the health centers and patients are experiencing as a result of these policy changes. We ask that you consider sharing this report with your colleagues to help spread this important message.
Boston City Council Recognizes Smart Smiles for Treating 4000 Kids and Counting
 July 2011: Highlighting the need for oral health care for Boston's children, Boston City Council has signed an official resolution, offered by Councilor Rob Consalvo, in recognition of Smart Smiles for providing an estimated $400,000 in free dental care. Smart Smiles is a preventive dentistry program offering comprehensive dental services—screenings, sealants, fluoride, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, education, referrals, and follow-up—by dentists and hygienists to Boston children in the best place to find them: public elementary schools. It is a partnership among Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM), Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM), and Commonwealth Mobile Oral Health Services (CMOHS).
Institute of Medicine Releases New Report "Improving Access to Oral Health Care for Vulnerable and Underserved Populations":
 On July 13, 2011, the Institute of Medicine released a new report that identifies key ways the nation can improve oral health care access to populations that would otherwise not receive care, such as children and Medicaid beneficiaries. Some of the suggested improvements include: assessing new dental workforce models as a way to expand access to oral health care, changing state laws to improve provider participation in public programs, and urging dental schools to increase opportunities for dental students to care for patients, especially those with special needs, in community-based settings. The Office of Oral Health applauds the Institute of Medicine for promoting a shared vision for improved oral health care for vulnerable and underserved populations.
National Pew Report Gives Massachusetts 'A' Grade for Children's Dental Health:
 On May 24, 2011, the Pew Center on the States Children's Dental Campaign released their report "Making Coverage Matter" which awarded Massachusetts an 'A' grade. Massachusetts is one of twenty-three states to improve its grade and one of seven states to earn an 'A' grade. Five states received an 'F' grade. Pew's last report gave Massachusetts a 'C' grade but has since recognized the Commonwealth's strides in children's dental health, including good management of the state's Medicaid program, expanding access to school-based dental programs, and enabling dental hygienists to decide whether the children seen in school-based dental programs need dental sealants, without a dentist's consultation. Congratulations to Massachusetts for being a top leader in children's dental health!
Massachusetts Coalition for Oral Health (MCOH) Releases 2011 'White Paper': Reaching New Heights in Health With School-Based Oral Health Programs
 In April 2011, the MCOH published their first 'White Paper': Reaching New Heights in Health With School-Based Oral Health Programs. This resource was printed and distributed to Massachusetts school health providers by the MA Office of Oral Health, an MCOH member. Coalition members are hopeful that this White Paper will be useful in providing school nurses, other school health providers, school educators, as well as dental and non-dental health providers with the information needed to better understand effective strategies for preventing tooth decay, school-based oral health program models, and new regulations that govern dental professionals and dental programs providing oral health services in Massachusetts schools. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that if 50 percent of children at high risk participated in school sealant programs, over half of their tooth decay would be prevented and money would be saved on their treatment costs.
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Advisories |
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§ Denture Cleaners - The FDA has asked manufacturers of denture cleansers
to revise labeling and to consider appropriate alternatives to an ingredient
in their products.
§ MRSA and Oral Health - An epidemiologist from the Centers for Disease
Control explains why patients should not be afraid of contracting
MRSA, an antibiotic resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria,
while at the dentist office.
§ Flu Prevention for Dental Health Professionals - Precautionary measures
to prevent the spread of flu at dental health care facilities.
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Events, Trainings, and Advocacy Opportunities |
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Please email our office (oralhealth@bphc.org) if there is an event, training, or advocacy opportunity you would like us to post on this page.
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