The Center for Oral Health (COH) name was adopted in 2010, and is accompanied by a new tag line: “Collaboration, Innovation, Advocacy”.  The new name and tagline were chosen because they more accurately reflect the organization’s ongoing purpose and mission.

Center for Oral Health:

Our new name reflects our commitment to improving oral health for everyone.  Our intent is to serve as the center of innovative, oral health activities--partnering with organizations throughout the country who share our values and commitment.” The Center for Oral Health is also that central repository of information, expertise and ideas on community-based solutions in public oral health. “Oral Health” distinguishes us from the “dental office” and profession, and better represents the importance of this part of total health.

Collaboration:

Community-based solutions require a collaborative approach to problem solving.  COH provides strong leadership to create and guide the broad coalitions of public and private organizations and individuals necessary to improve the oral health of the public. COH collaborates with key partners at national, state and local levels to develop and implement innovative, community-based services programs and policy initiatives. COH can serve, in a number of vital roles including; initiator, leader, fiscal sponsor, incubator and technical adviser.

Innovation:

COH is focused on the health consequences of dental disease and has the expertise to develop innovative, cost-effective, community based solutions to prevent those consequences. COH addresses the oral and dental health care needs of communities through a wide variety of efficient, results-driven programs.

Advocacy:

Recognized as a thought leader in the field of public oral health, Center for Oral Health serves as a trusted advocate for oral health policies that represent the public’s best interests. The organization is a key source for the most current thinking as well as research data on public oral health needs, access, and remedial and preventive services. COH is a respected complement to professional and academic dentistry and advocates on the behalf of the public for policies, programs and practices that improve oral health.

Press Release