Just Released jointly issued brief on Oral Health Care in Colorado

The oral health of America's children is a top priority. But for Colorado, there hasn't been much improvement in the past decade.

The good news is that Governor John Hickenlooper recently made children’s oral health one of Colorado's 10 winnable battles over the next five years. This is an important goal because oral disease can negatively impact a child’s performance in school, speech development, nutrition, self-esteem and sleep.

To help inform this winnable battle, three foundations – The Colorado Trust, Caring for Colorado Foundation and the Delta Dental of Colorado Foundation – jointly issued a new brief, Improving the Oral Health of Colorado's Children. Written by Diane Brunson, RDH, MPH, Director of Public Health, University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, the brief details:

the causes of oral disease,
multiple prevention strategies,
significant challenges in access to oral health care, and
strategies for improving the oral health of Colorado children.

In addition to the brief, a two-page Executive Summary provides a high-level overview for policymakers.

We invite you to read this new information and to use these resources to help improve the health of Colorado children.