Expanding access to oral health care

Dec 08, 2022

2022 in Review: Oral Health Policy Wins and Opportunities for the Future

As 2022 comes to a close, we offer a retrospective on positive developments as well as opportunities to improve access to dental care and oral health. [ Blog ]

Oct 04, 2022

Oral Health is Health – Medicare Coverage Should Reflect That

Medicare is critical for the health and wellbeing of almost 64 million older adults and people with disabilities. Unfortunately, Medicare does not include a comprehensive dental benefit. [ Blog ]

Sep 08, 2022

Washington State Dental Therapy Progress Illustrates Undeniable Momentum toward a More Equitable Oral Health System

Following years of organizing and action by the Swinomish Tribe and the Washington Dental Access Campaign, Community Catalyst is celebrating the news that Skagit Valley College received accreditation for their dental therapy program. [ Press Release ]

Aug 03, 2022

“Minimally-Invasive Care” Presents Opportunities to Expand Patient Choice, Access to Care and Advance Health Justice

Known as "minimally-invasive care” (MIC), can be provided in a variety of health care or community settings, like primary care offices, nursing homes, schools, and health fairs. [ Blog ]

Jun 02, 2022

State Authorities' Responsibility to Oral Health Equity

It is important for us to remember that achieving health equity includes addressing the unmet oral health needs in this country and state authorities must be integral partners in this movement. [ Blog ]

May 10, 2022

Congress Should Follow States’ Lead in Providing Dental Coverage to Medicaid Enrollees

Opening the door to dental care for more people can usher in better health and family economic security – gains worth celebrating! But state policy can only go so far. Congress must also take action. [ Blog ]

Apr 04, 2022

Congressional Funding Ban Standing in the Way of Good Oral Health for Many

For 12 years, Congress has been blocking funding to an Affordable Care Act (ACA) program that could increase access to dental care and improve health equity at the behest of an influential special interest group. Last week Community Catalyst, alo... [ Blog ]

Mar 25, 2022

The ACA Has Boosted Oral Health Access, Now Let’s Keep the Progress Going

As we celebrate the 12th anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), it’s worth reflecting on the ways in which this landmark law has advanced oral health equity and the ways in which we can build on this progress moving forward. [ Blog ]

Mar 25, 2022

Can't Afford the Dentist? Try a Dental Therapist | Health Day

Tera Bianchi, Director of the Dental Access Project at Community Catalyst, talks to Health Day about the importance of dental therapists. [ News Clip ]

Feb 23, 2022

Interview: Dental therapists as answer to racial inequities in oral healthcare | Dental Tribune

Kasey Wilson, senior policy analyst of the Dental Health Project at Community Catalyst, chats with Dental Tribune about the importance of Dental Therapy. [ News Clip ]

Dec 10, 2021

Communities must be at the center of oral health policy solutions

“Tooth Tuesday” is a series of learning calls with state and community-based advocates to discuss how the oral health care system can be improved by ensuring that people closest to the problems have a voice in developing the solutions. [ Blog ]

Oct 28, 2021

Build Back Better Framework Will Make Needed Progress on Health Equity by Expanding Accessible, Affordable Coverage to Millions

President Biden and Congress released an agreed upon framework for the Build Back Better Act, which would make historic investments to enhance the health, economic security and well-being of people and communities across the country. [ Press Release ]

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Toward Patient-Centered Oral Health: Improving Dental Care and Patient Experience Using “Minimally-Invasive” Care

MIC gives people the ability to talk about and decide what type of care is best for them. [ Publication ]

ALERT: Tell Congress to Build Back Better Health Care

Take action to pass the Build Back Better agenda. [ Alert ]

ALERT: USE THESE NEW TOOLS TO CLOSE THE MEDICAID COVERAGE GAP.

These new and updated tools can help you raise your voice and amplify the need for Congress to act now. [ Alert ]

Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits: Improving Access for Tribal Populations

This brief expands on the intersection of Medicaid and tribal health and explores the current oral health status and barriers to care among tribal communities. [ Publication ]

The American Rescue Plan Act: Organizing Opportunities

This toolkit illustrates how advocates can leverage American Rescue Plan Act funds to spur transformative change and address the unique needs of communities. [ Publication ]

Community Catalyst comment letter to the Child and Adult Core Set Review Workgroup on the group's proposed Core Set changes

Comments to a federal workgroup on revised Medicaid Care Quality Measures for adults and children. [ Comment Letter ]

ALERT: Help Us Celebrate Medicaid's 56th Birthday!

Check out our Medicaid Birthday toolkit! [ Alert ]

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Equity and Community Engagement in Statewide Oral Health Policy Advocacy: An Analysis of the Field and Recommendations for Improvement

Executive Summary for a research project Community Catalyst conducted in collaboration with the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. [ Publication ]

Equity and Community Engagement in Statewide Oral Health Policy Advocacy: An Analysis of the Field and Recommendations for Improvement

What can advocates, funders and community-based organizations (CBOs) do to improve the oral health communities suffering disproportionate harm from dental disease and related health complications? Learn more in this report! [ Publication ]

Make Coverage Affordable for the Long Term

The American Rescue Plan's enhancements are critical to help individuals and families’ secure health access during the pandemic and are a needed correction to the ACA subsidy scale and must be made permanent. [ Publication ]

ALERT: Speak up NOW on the state of health care

Tomorrow night’s state of the union marks the first time President Biden will speak to Congress. Our job is to remind the Biden administration and policymakers that health care is central to infrastructure – and the time to be bold is now. [ Alert ]

Why Does Oral Health Matter?

Dental disease hurts more than our teeth. It’s tied to our overall health. Tooth decay can risk our physical, mental and economic wellbeing. It also strains state budgets. [ Publication ]

More Resources »

ALERT: Tell Congress to Build Back Better Health Care

Take action to pass the Build Back Better agenda.

ALERT: USE THESE NEW TOOLS TO CLOSE THE MEDICAID COVERAGE GAP.

These new and updated tools can help you raise your voice and amplify the need for Congress to act now.

ALERT: Help Us Celebrate Medicaid's 56th Birthday!

Check out our Medicaid Birthday toolkit!

ALERT: Speak up NOW on the state of health care

Tomorrow night’s state of the union marks the first time President Biden will speak to Congress. Our job is to remind the Biden administration and policymakers that health care is central to infrastructure – and the time to be bold is now.