Mission: To create a comprehensive dental health system that promotes education, prevention and improved access for all from Aspen to Parachute.

History Established in 2008 by a collaborative effort of health and human service agencies, public health departments, dental professionals, and community members. Significant support from County Public Health the first school sealant program starts with one hygienist and one school. Data indicators showed significant needs to improve access to dental care for indigent and working poor. Hired the first Colorado Regional Oral Health Specialist in Non-profit status designation in Hired first Executive Director in 2013.

Serving two of the most vulnerable populations in oral health Children It is estimated that children in Colorado miss 900,000 days of school every year due to mouth pain. “Chew on This: a 2012 Report on Oral Health in Colorado”, found nearly 3 out of 4 third graders in high risk schools experience cavities. Seniors For older adults the connection between oral health and general health is especially important. Many older adults do not have dental insurance or the financial resources to care for their teeth, so it is imperative to link seniors to affordable and accessible oral health care.

Senior Mobile Dental Clinics are Held in Locations Close to Senior Centers

Smiles for Seniors This program provides older adults age 60 and over with oral health and oral cancer screenings, cleanings, fluoride varnishes, oral hygiene education, and referrals for dental treatment services when needed. 58 Seniors served in About 70 Seniors served Year-to-Date in (37% of Seniors seen had not had a dental visit in more than a year).

Promoting Great Habits & Preventing Cavities

Cavity Free At Three This program’s mission is to eliminate early childhood caries in Colorado’s children, helping them to grow up free of dental disease. APDHA is educating the dental, medical, and health and human service communities on the importance of a dental home by age one, which enhancing parental knowledge of the value of oral health care for their children.

Garfield County Public Health collaborates with APDHA on the “Smiles for Students program to reach 2 nd, 3 rd, 6 th & 7 th grade students in schools from Aspen to Parachute to Eagle County. Children receive screenings, cleanings, sealants, fluoride varnishes, oral health education and treatment referrals. Sometimes this is a child’s first dental hygiene visit. Results School Year 2013: 42% participation rate 1182 Students, 17 Schools 401 Required Urgent Care Identified 1,153 Cavities 723 Kids Received Sealants 2,563 Sealants Placed

Thank you!