About

The Maine Oral Health Coalition is a broad-based network focused on improving access to oral health care. It was convened in June 1997 as a collaboration between Maine’s Oral Health Program (OHP) and the Maine Children’s Alliance, a children’s advocacy organization. This totally ad hoc group grew to over 120 individuals, representing themselves, dental, and other health professional associations, community and State agencies, foundations, and other groups and individuals across the state.

Mission

The Coalition’s mission is to raise awareness and support for oral health through community education and advocacy, working toward the realization of our vision, that oral health in valued as vital element of wellness for Maine residents.

Beliefs and values

• Oral health care is valued as part of overall health
• All people deserve access to oral health care services
• Oral health services should be culturally and individually appropriate
• Community-based dental disease prevention services are an integral part of overall preventive health care
• Partnerships with public, private, and community-based stakeholders, decision-makers, and the public regarding oral health issues are critical
• Oral health promotion and dental disease prevention/intervention strategies are based upon sound scientific principles
• Change is a process; continuing efforts must be sustained for progress to be appreciated and achieved in attitudes, knowledge, and utilization of oral health care