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October 5, 2021
New Collaboration Will Focus on Data-Driven Recommendations and Oral Health Access for Veterans
Boston, MA — CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and the American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH) have entered into a new partnership that will explore solutions to veteran oral health care, increase accessibility to care, and stimulate rural oral health innovation.
Veterans are more likely to experience oral diseases that affect their quality of life than non-veterans and many veterans do not qualify for dental care from Veterans Affairs unless they have a pre-existing dental condition, a disability, or were a prisoner of war. Additionally, Medicare only pays for certain dental services patients receive in the hospital and Medicaid provides limited or no adult dental benefits in several states.
The partnership between CareQuest Institute and AIDPH will focus on developing and implementing data-driven recommendations informed by the veteran community.
“We owe veterans a great deal of gratitude and having access to good oral health care is the last thing they should be worrying about,” said Sean Boynes, DMD, MS, vice president of health improvement at CareQuest Institute. “We need a better understanding of the obstacles veterans face when accessing oral health care and to do that, we need data. We look forward to working with AIDPH to bring solutions to our veterans to give them the equitable care they deserve.”
“AIDPH is excited to work with CareQuest Institute on advancing health equity in the oral health and well-being of veterans,” said Annaliese Cothron, AIDPH executive director. “Now more than ever, veterans need innovative, whole-person approaches to care in an integrated system that they have a voice in designing. We have been listening to the veteran community, stakeholders, and veteran-run organizations to set the priorities for our joint work.”
Direct Media Inquiries to:
Kristin LaRoche
klaroche@carequest.org
857-275-5038
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About CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® is a national nonprofit championing a more equitable future where every person can reach their full potential through excellent health. We do this through our work in grantmaking, research, health improvement programs, policy and advocacy, and education as well as our leadership in dental benefits, care delivery, and innovation advancements. We collaborate with thought leaders, health care providers, patients, and local, state, and federal stakeholders to accelerate oral health care transformation and create a system designed for everyone. To learn more, visit carequest.org.
About The American Institute of Dental Public Health
The American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH) is a 501c3 nonprofit centering health equity as a cornerstone of oral health education and training. We offer educational training for oral health professionals, support student growth and career development in dental public health, and serve as conveners of stature to facilitate systems change in the oral health community. AIDPH was established to pursue our mission of fostering professional excellence and advancing innovation in the education and practice of dental public health. Join us as we create our vision: an equity-oriented workforce prepared to lead. To learn more, visit aidph.org and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.