Oral Health Zone

In order to help low-income children in regions with especially challenging oral health needs, Oral Health Zones (OHZ) have been established to expand access to care and increase oral health education through community engagement. The initiatives in each zone differ in order to meet their specific needs as determined by local community partners and funders.

Our OHZ managers collaborate with regional partners such as:

• Head Start/Early Head Start
• School Districts
• Oral Health Coalitions
• Dental and Dental Hygiene Associations
• Departments of Health and Education
• University Dental and Dental Hygiene Programs
• Non-profit/safety net dental clinics
• Youth-serving organizations/clubs
• Public Health Organizations
• Local Government Agencies
• Faith-based organizations

The goals of the Oral Health Zone Program are to:

• Teach children, youth and their caregivers how to care for their mouths
• Support clinics and programs that expand access to preventive treatment
• Educate the community about the importance of oral health