About the Project

Our goal is to build statewide consumer voice for oral health care and advocate for greater access to affordable, culturally-relevant care. Our advisory committee is made up of organizations including children’s advocates, health providers, advocates for older adults, and community-based organizations who work with Vermonters impacted by a lack of access to affordable dental care.

We know that rural communities, Black, Brown and Indigenous people, and people with disabilities experience worse oral health, and the way we provide dental care is disjointed and incomplete. Oral health is central to overall health, yet tens of thousands of Vermonters do not have access to preventive or routine dental care.

The project wants to hear from people across the state about what stands in the way of good oral health. We conducted a survey (now closed) of Vermonters about their oral health, and are now collecting information about community capacity via an organizational assessment. Next we’ll work with our advisors and groups of impacted Vermonters to identify changes that would have the biggest positive impact.

Upcoming Oral Health Focus Group, 12/14, 11am: Parents and caregivers of children with disabilities are invited to share their experiences accessing dental care to help identify barriers and drive policy change. Participants will receive a $100 stipend for their time. Register here.