29 August 2025

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COH Releases Guides to Improve School Oral Health

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The Center for Oral Health (COH) is proud to announce the release of three new publications supported by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, marking a significant milestone in the movement to integrate oral health into school wellness systems across California.

Together, these resources offer a comprehensive roadmap for addressing school-based oral health disparities, advocating for whole-child wellness models, and supporting the sustainable integration of dental services into educational settings.

Bridging the Gap: A Needs Assessment of School-Based Oral Health Disparities Between Rural and Urban Children in California—This publication presents a data-driven assessment of persistent oral health inequities between rural and urban students. Drawing from stakeholder surveys, school district data, and regional comparisons, the report reveals deep access gaps and calls for targeted investments in school-based dental programs to support underserved communities.

Implementation Guide: Wellness Center Integration with Oral Health Services—This step-by-step resource helps school districts and health partners embed dental care into existing wellness services without requiring major structural changes. Grounded in equity, prevention, and operational practicality, the guide offers real-world strategies for building sustainable provider partnerships, managing consent and compliance, and aligning with statewide goals like the California Oral Health Plan and the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model.

“These three publications reflect the Center for Oral Health’s deep commitment to transforming school environments into equitable access points for preventive care,” said Tiffany Turner, CEO of the Center for Oral Health. “We are honored to share them as part of our shared vision with CareQuest to ensure that oral health is not treated as optional, but essential, in a child’s ability to thrive.”

Integrating Oral Health into School Wellness: An Advocacy Guide for School Leaders and Community Partners—This toolkit was developed to help school leaders, wellness teams, and community advocates make a strong case for integrating oral health into school systems. It translates key findings into practical messaging, talking points, and policy strategies. Featuring local success stories from Sacramento, Alpine, and Trinity Counties, the guide supports stakeholder engagement. It’s designed to move efforts from awareness to action, helping champions build buy-in and drive change.

About the Center for Oral Health

Founded in 1985, the Center for Oral Health is a leading nonprofit committed to improving oral health for vulnerable populations through research, innovation, and advocacy. COH’s evidence-based initiatives and partnerships have helped reshape oral health access and policy in California and across the United States.

Source:  https://www.centerfororalhealth.org/