Oral Health Program
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.
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What's New?
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).
Download this flier to share with your network. Download these coloring pages for added fun!
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