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One in three Wisconsin children are living with untreated dental decay, the most preventable chronic disease in the United States. Children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) are twice as likely to have unmet dental needs. In addition, disproportionate levels of access to oral health care exist in minority and low-income populations. Nationally, 80% of dental decay affects 20% of children.
Since 1997, the Alliance has been a leader in the oral health access movement in Wisconsin. The Alliance continues to facilitate the ongoing efforts of needs assessment, coalition building, program development and policy development to increase access and improve oral health care for children and families.
The Alliance facilitates the Wisconsin Oral Health Coalition, which consists of over 130 organizations and individual members. The Alliance also has partnered with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to administer the Wisconsin state Seal-A-Smile program, which provides grants for school-based and school-linked dental sealant programs.
The Alliance administers the Wisconsin Special Smiles Program working to improve oral health access for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN).
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For more information about our oral health initiatives, please contact Matt Crespin, Oral Health Project Manager, at (414) 292-4002.
For more specific information on our oral health initiatives for Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN), please contact Diane Flanagan, Oral Health Project Manager/Regional Oral Health Coordinator, at (414) 292-4015.
DID YOU KNOW...
In Wisconsin 55 percent of third-graders have a history of dental caries.
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