Message from CareQuest Institute Senior Director of Philanthropy Trenae Simpson

As we close out 2025, we do so with deep appreciation and renewed determination. This year has shown that meaningful progress often emerges from complexity. We are operating in an environment that calls for bold ideas and decisive action; business as usual is not enough. The shifting policy and funding landscape demands creativity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to our mission: ensuring equitable oral health for all. 

Through it all, one thing has remained constant: the power of connection. Together, with our partners, grantees, and colleagues, we advanced oral health equity in meaningful ways. We secured 5% additional funding to strengthen our grantmaking portfolio, enabling us to respond to the loss of critical oral health research and support advocates defending one of the greatest public health interventions of our time: community water fluoridation. 

In total, we funded 90 grantee organizations across 42 states, driving systemic change and expanding access to care. 
 

Highlights from 2025: 

• Changing the Conversation Around Oral Health Equity: With the release of “Framing Oral Health Equity Now,” advocates gained more than just a toolkit — they gained a voice. From town halls to legislative hearings, we’ve seen how clearer, values-driven messaging is helping communities reframe oral health as a justice issue, not just a medical one. Already, it's shaping conversations and strengthening the case for equity in communities across the country. “Frameworks continues to evolve and continues to strengthen our advocacy with relevant communication strategies,” said one champion, leading to a more informed and engaged public that understands why oral health equity matters.
   
• Reaching Communities Where It Matters Most: Through strategic support and collaboration, we helped programs nationwide expand care delivery and push forward meaningful policy changes. These efforts are directly improving access for those who’ve historically been left behind. For example, Tufts University established a family-centered, prevention-focused care model for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, integrating parent input through an advisory group and introducing the Functional Assessment Method (FAM) to guide care. By combining home-based visits, telehealth, and preventive, the project significantly improved access and outcomes for profoundly autistic individuals who face barriers to traditional dental care.
   
• OPEN: More Than a Meeting, a Movement: Our annual OPEN meeting brought together more than 230 passionate leaders, advocates, and experts. With 98% rating the experience as good or excellent, it’s clear this convening continues to be a cornerstone for connection, learning, and collective action. It has sparked new collaborations, inspired fresh ideas, and reminded us why we do this work. A participant in OPEN’s 2025 Hill Day said, “That experience not only gave me space to honor my father, but it also sparked deeper conversations with policymakers and colleagues about how gaps in oral health coverage directly impact families and communities. For me, it was a powerful example of how the network turns individual voices into collective momentum for change.”
   
• Advocacy That Delivers: In a challenging policy landscape, our coalitions stood strong — defending Medicaid and advancing community water fluoridation. Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI), a long-standing CareQuest institute grantee, championed a landmark bill that protects water fluoridation, ensuring nearly 90% of Connecticut residents have access to safe and effective dental protection. Across the country, state coalitions and local communities are mobilizing to protect and expand access to care. These wins reflect our unwavering commitment to equity and the power of collective advocacy to drive meaningful change in oral health policy. 
   

Looking Ahead: 

2026 will bring new opportunities - and new challenges. We are preparing to deepen our impact through partnerships with public health entities, technology enhancements, and capacity-building initiatives. These investments will help us support grantees more effectively and drive long-term transformation in oral health systems. In a time of uncertainty, resilience and collaboration are our greatest strengths. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are building a future where every person has access to equitable, person-centered oral health care. 
 

Stay Connected: 

Watch for updates on our Q1 grant cycle and new opportunities to collaborate in 2026.