Oral Health Plan

The SVHC, recognizing the importance of oral health as an integral part of overall health initiated a project in 1999 to look at the causes and scope of the problem in Cortland County. This initiative was based on the belief that oral health, like all health-related conditions, contributes to personal well being and quality of life. Oral health positively affects personal confidence, appearance, mental health, interpersonal relations, diet, and speech. It plays a vital role in the comprehensive pursuit of disease prevention and health promotion for each individual and thus for the community. Statistics show that oral diseases affect almost everyone, and yet most oral diseases are preventable.

The Dental Steering Committee of the SVHC worked with a consultant to develop a strategic plan intended as a blueprint for improving the oral health status of residents in Cortland County. The methods and process used to develop the strategic plan included:

• a review of current resources, opportunities and barriers;
   
• development of on-going guidance from a local steering committee;
   
• discussions with key stakeholders in the county;
   
• development and application of criteria for evaluating proposed solutions; and
   
• an opportunity for stakeholder review and comments on the draft plan.

At the conclusion of the strategic planning process, the Dental Steering Committee had devised a multi-faceted approach for better oral health. The goal is one that builds upon three areas - enhancing capacity for treatment, enriching the community's interest in recognizing the value of oral health and creating the opportunity for prevention and education in high-risk school districts. Each is a critical component of an overall strategy that will make a difference in the lives and quality of life in Cortland County. Thus, the priority recommendations include:

• adding school-based dental health prevention and screening programs;
   
• coordinating a community wide campaign for dental education and outreach; and
   
• the development of a new article 28 clinic in the City of Cortland.

The SVHC Dental Steering Committee continues to research the feasibility of opening a clinic in Cortland. We provided various supports to Family Health Network, an article 28 clinic, in its quest for funds to add a dental screening and sealant program in its school-based clinics. The school based screening and sealant program began in April 2002.

An educational campaign has been developed that is centered on "Mighty Molar," a cartoon character that we developed and produced, to help us make learning about good oral hygiene a fun and memorable experience for people of all ages. Mighty Molar is a 6-foot tall, smiling tooth costume, worn by volunteers, that attends public events in the community and hands out dental floss and toothpaste.

Mighty Molar is often accompanied by Murray the Toothbrush, another life-size character. Murray is a product of the J.M. Murray Center, a not-for-profit community organization that provides vocational, habilitation and other services to people with disabilities.