G-2411-22241

Tennessee Primary Care Association (TPCA) is dedicated to improving the health of Tennessee residents by supporting Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and advocating for policy changes that enhance access to care. Established in 1976, TPCA represents 29 of Tennessee’s community health centers, providing shared resources, amplifying their interests at the state and federal levels, and fostering collaboration.

TPCA has received funding from the CareQuest Institute since 2013, with the most recent grant awarded in 2019 for the National Oral Health Innovation and Integration Network. Leveraging their existing network of active Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in oral health, TPCA is seeking additional funds to enhance participation in workforce development programs. This initiative will begin with creating a forum for building a sustainable model for collaboration, advocacy, and capacity-building by establishing a Tennessee-focused FQHC dental workgroup. This involves appointing 7 to 15 members, establishing a workgroup charter, contracting with a subject matter expert to facilitate meetings, and hosting four workgroup meetings. The workgroup will guide the overall project, prioritize capacity-building strategies, and advocate for policy and regulatory changes informed by the landscape analysis.

TPCA will also conduct a landscape analysis to provide comprehensive information about the challenges and successes of Tennessee FQHC dental programs. This involves developing an RFP and contracting with a consultant to conduct the analysis, identifying patient participants for community voice related to delivery of care, and establishing a small group meeting schedule for community voice. The analysis will focus on workforce distribution, service gaps, recruitment and retention strategies, utilization of federal and state programs, and barriers to participation.

Additionally, TPCA will strengthen relationships between FQHCs and state public policy leaders by inviting them to hear workgroup insights and share the landscape analysis with recommendations. This collaboration aims to foster partnerships with TennCare, the Tennessee Department of Health, and other organizations to drive systemic changes that prioritize equitable care.

By engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, TPCA aims to create a comprehensive understanding of the barriers to dental care and develop actionable strategies to improve access and outcomes for underserved populations. The findings from these efforts will be shared through various channels, including webinars, publications, and online promotion. TPCA will also present these findings at statewide, regional, and national conferences and gatherings. These efforts will help initiate discussions on legislative policy changes around oral health and social determinants of health with Tennessee policymakers.
The requested amount of $125,000 represents 4% of TPCA’s overall budget. This funding will support staff and consultant expertise in workforce development, government relations, communications, and education.