Criteria
1. Advocacy for Oral Health Legislation
Description: This criterion evaluates the legislator’s active role in introducing, supporting, or passing legislation that directly benefits the dental profession and improves access to quality oral health care.
Examples: Sponsoring or advocating for bills that expand access to dental care, improve Medicaid or CHIP dental benefits, support dental education funding, or address workforce shortages in underserved areas.
2. Commitment to Expanding Access to Care
Description: This criterion focuses on the legislator’s efforts to reduce barriers to dental care, particularly for underserved, vulnerable, and low-income populations.
Examples: Championing policies that address oral health disparities, supporting funding for dental care in rural or low-income areas, or advocating for insurance reforms to improve access to affordable dental care.
3. Collaboration with Dental Professionals and Organizations
Description: This criterion recognizes the legislator’s willingness and ability to work collaboratively with dental professionals, associations, and public health organizations to advance dental health policies.
Examples: Engaging with the American Dental Association (ADA) and other dental groups in policy discussions, attending dental-related events, and incorporating input from dental professionals into policy development.
4. Leadership in Oral Health Promotion and Preventive Care
Description: This criterion evaluates the legislator’s leadership in advancing policies that prioritize preventive dental care, public health education, and overall improvements in community oral health.
Examples: Supporting school-based dental programs, promoting water fluoridation, advocating for preventive oral health initiatives, or pushing for public health campaigns that emphasize the link between oral health and overall well-being.
