Health Transformation Programs
We are working to transform the oral health system into one that is accessible, equitable, and integrated.
Transformation in Action
To achieve that vision, we collaborate with public and private stakeholders and support individuals, communities, and health systems to create person-centered, integrated systems of care that lead to better health outcomes. Through collaboration and hands-on support, our programs have produced practical models that strengthen access, foster collaboration across medical and dental care, and improve patient outcomes.
Medical Oral Expanded Care (MORE Care®)Â
- Integrate oral health services into primary care workflows
- Build reliable referral relationships with local dental providers
- Strengthen communication and shared responsibility across care teams
- Use health information tools to support coordinated, person-centered care
- Test oral health focused alternative payment models
South Carolina (2015)
In partnership with the South Carolina Office of Rural Health and the Medical University of South Carolina, MORE Care piloted medical–dental integration in six rural primary care practices. Over a 12-month learning collaborative, sites tested strategies to deliver preventive oral health services and coordinate referrals to dental care.
Pennsylvania & Colorado (2016)
Building on early lessons, MORE Care expanded to 17 rural primary care sites in partnership with the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health and the Colorado Rural Health Center. This phase explored how integration strategies could be adapted across different care settings and state contexts.
Pennsylvania & Colorado (2016)
Building on early lessons, MORE Care expanded to 17 rural primary care sites in partnership with the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health and the Colorado Rural Health Center. This phase explored how integration strategies could be adapted across different care settings and state contexts.
Virginia & Central Oregon (2019)
The MORE Care model was adapted in collaboration with Virginia Health Catalyst and Central Oregon’s coordinated care organization (CCO). In Oregon, strong care coordination and data infrastructure supported more seamless collaboration between medical and dental providers, offering valuable insight into system-level integration.
Virginia & Central Oregon (2019)
The MORE Care model was adapted in collaboration with Virginia Health Catalyst and Central Oregon’s coordinated care organization (CCO). In Oregon, strong care coordination and data infrastructure supported more seamless collaboration between medical and dental providers, offering valuable insight into system-level integration.
Ohio (2021–2024)
Partnering with Oral Health Ohio, stakeholders identified MORE Care as a framework to advance integrated, value-based care that includes oral health. Seven practices participated, expanding access to preventive dental services, utilizing an alternative payment model, for nearly 20,000 children. Lessons learned offer a roadmap for scaling medical–dental integration at the state level.Â
Community Oral Health Transformation (COrHT)Â
COrHT (2020–2024) supported safety-net dental clinics in transforming care delivery to better meet the needs of underserved communities.
Through structured support and shared learning, participating clinics from various regions:
- Expanded access through innovations such as telehealth
- Focused on prevention and minimally invasive approaches, including fluoride applications
- Strengthened connections between dental and medical care to support whole-person health
- Tested oral heath focused alternative payment models
2020
Massachusetts: Continuing Care During a PandemicÂ
CareQuest Institute created COrHT during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to continue the delivery of oral health care to patients of FQHCs in Massachusetts. Â
Learn more about the experiences and outcomes in Massachusetts.Â
2021Â
Ohio and Arizona: Preparing for Value-Based Payment Systems
In Ohio and Arizona, COrHT expanded on knowledge learned in Massachusetts to increase adoption of the Three Domain Framework and prepare teams for a value-based payment system. Â
Following the initiative, participants reported positive outcomes including increased silver diamine fluoride (SDF) applications, increased completion of Caries Risk Assessments (CRAs), as well as heightened patient awareness, repurposed provider time, and more integrated workflow. A majority (84%) of participants said they felt confident in their knowledge about the clinical care components of oral health value-based care because of their participation.Â
2021
Ohio and Arizona: Preparing for Value-Based Payment Systems
In Ohio and Arizona, COrHT expanded on knowledge learned in Massachusetts to increase adoption of the Three Domain Framework and prepare teams for a value-based payment system. Â
Following the initiative, participants reported positive outcomes including increased silver diamine fluoride (SDF) applications, increased completion of Caries Risk Assessments (CRAs), as well as heightened patient awareness, repurposed provider time, and more integrated workflow. A majority (84%) of participants said they felt confident in their knowledge about the clinical care components of oral health value-based care because of their participation.Â
2022
North Carolina: A Value-Based Approach to Equitable Oral Health CareÂ
A partnership between the North Carolina Oral Health Collaborative, CareQuest Institute, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation established a learning community of safety-net dental clinics to share best practices, support a network of champions for change management, and advance policy change.Â
2022
Michigan: Building Confidence and Capacity in Value-Based CareÂ
In Michigan, COrHT brought together executive and clinical leadership from three health centers to use their resources to deliver comprehensive patient care, inclusive of oral health, and increase confidence and capacity to engage in value-based care. Â
The learning community focused on developing sustainable business models that prioritized oral health, expanded patient engagement and community partnerships, and elevated the utilization of data and oral health measures.Â
CareQuest Institute partnered with clinics across states to provide practical tools, technical assistance, and learning opportunities that helped teams redesign their systems of care. Clinics improved patient outcomes, enhanced experiences for patients and providers, and reduced overall health care costs.
Impact & Results
Explore state-specific impact reports and case studies that highlight:
- State and community strategies
- Partnership approaches and implementation lessons
- Measurable outcomes and system-level change
- Insights to support scaling and sustainability
Explore Impact Reports
Get Started
Our courses and learning opportunities are built from the experience generated through our transformation programs. They translate program insights into practical guidance, providing the foundational knowledge needed to begin implementing integrated, person-centered care.
Interested in partnering with CareQuest Institute?
Collaboration and partnership are key to achieving our mission – to improve the oral health of all.