Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon.gov Homepage

Oral Health


Photo of adult man brushing teeth with child in a bathroom.

Oral Health Program

Orange line.png
The Oregon Health Authority's (OHA) Oral Health Program works to make sure everyone in Oregon has a healthy mouth. The Program is based on the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors' (ASTDD) model for state oral health programs. The Oral Health Program works across OHA on these activities to increase access to dental care and improve the oral health of babies, children, teens, adults and older adults:

  • Creating systems to add oral health into overall health prevention goals and activities;
  • Collecting data to find oral health disparities and inequities;
  • Creating oral health policy;
  • Overseeing and supporting school oral health programs;
  • Providing oral health education for everyone of all ages;
  • Supporting healthcare providers to include oral health in their clinics for their patients; and
  • Providing opportunities to increase oral health workforce.

If you need help finding a dentist, please click on the orange button below. 

Orange rectangle. Text: Find a dentist

 What's New? Orange line.png

February is Children’s Dental Health Month, and Governor Tina Kotek has highlighted the importance of children's dental health by issuing a proclamation.
The Oregon Oral Health Program is looking for local kid artists to show us what “Healthy Smiles, Healthy Bodies” means to you! 
Good oral health during childhood sets us up for a lifetime of healthy mouths, and we know that taking good care of our mouth helps to keep our whole body healthy. In February, we want to make sure everyone in Oregon knows how important it is to take care of our mouths, and we also want to have a bit of fun!
Here are the details of the art contest:
WHO:
  • All kids who live in Oregon and are 4 – 18 years old are invited to participate.
  • Artwork will be judged in three age groups: 4 – 7 years old, 8 – 12 years old, and 13 – 18 years old.
WHAT:
  • Use any form of art you enjoy, just make sure your art is about teeth, your mouth, or anything related to dentistry and health. 
  • Digital images and photography must be completely original.
  • Show us what our theme, “Healthy Smiles, Healthy Bodies” means to you!
WHEN:
  • Submit your artwork by February 20, 2024 by uploading a photo of your art and sending it to  oral.health@odhsoha.oregon.gov.
  • Include your name, age, parent or guardian’s name, email address, and phone number.
WIN!:
  • Two winners from each age group will receive a goodie bag, which includes an electric toothbrush, a regular toothbrush, stickers, a brushing calendar, and more!
  • Winning artwork will also be published on our website and social media (a media release form will need to be signed).
  • Winners will be announced on Thursday, February 29th.

Remember, good oral hygiene includes:
  • Brushing your teeth using fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes, two times a day.
  • Floss between your teeth daily.
  • Visit your dentist regularly.
  • Use fluoride.
  • Choose healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables and cheese.
  • Drink water, low-fat milk and milk products (like soy milk).

Contact Stephanie Glickman with questions at: stephanie.d.glickman@oha.oregon.gov


Download this flier to share with your network.                                Download these coloring pages for added fun!

CDHM Art Contest Thumbnail.png                                        CDHM Coloring Pages Thumbnail.png

Children’s Dental Health Month Art Competition 1.12.24.pdf                          Children’s Dental Health Month Coloring Pages.pdf


Download Spanish versions of these materials:

Spanish version of art contest announcement

Spanish version of art contest flier

Spanish version of coloring pages


Green background with image of tropical flowers. Text: COFA Islander Dental Benefits.Compacts of Free Association (COFA) citizens who do not get dental care from the Oregon Health Plan (OHP-Medicaid) have a new way to get free care. Visit the OHP COFA Dental website or OHP COFA Dental Fact Sheet for more information. 



Oregon veterans may be eligible for additional dental benefits with the Oregon Health Plan. Visit the Oregon Veteran Dental Program website or Oregon Veteran Dental Program Fact Sheet for more information.






Orthodontic benefits - The Oregon Health Plan may cover orthodontics (braces) under very specific situations. View the OHP Orthodontic Benefit Fact Sheet for more information.


Blackboard background with school supplies in shape of rocket ship. Text: Back to school.

Back to school means more options for oral health services! Did you know that your school may be connected to a dental provider who comes to the school to offer dental services such as dental sealants? Ask your school if they have dental services, like a dental sealant program. Visit the Oregon School Dental Sealant Program website for more information.




Blue background. Image of classroom with cartoon tooth dentist. Text: Oregon Smile & Healthy Growth Screening

Oregon Smile and Healthy Growth Screening is underway! If you have a child in 1st through 3rd grade, then you may have seen information about the Oregon Smile and Healthy Growth Screening. This is an important opportunity to find untreated dental problems so students can follow up with a dental provider. It also helps Oregon have a better understanding of the health status of children in elementary schools. Visit the Oregon Oral Health Publications website for more information.


Resources

Orange line.png

Gray background of faces. Text: Healthier Together Oregon. 2020 - 2024 State Health Improvement Plan. September 2020

Healthier Together Oregon

Improving oral health is one of several activities being worked on to support the priority area of increasing access to equitable preventive health services in Oregon's State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP).

Image of brushing calendar cover. Blue background, orange grinning monster. Text: Brush two minutes twice a day! Keep a healthy

Brushing Calendar

To make brushing fun and rewarding, the OHA School-based Dental Sealant Program has developed a calendar that children can use to keep track of brushing twice each day. Please download the calendar in a preferred language.



Contact us by email at oral.health@odhsoha.oregon.gov or by phone at 971-666-8815 (voice or text)