Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
What is OHAC!?
Oral Health Awareness Colorado! (OHAC!) is a coalition of federal, state and local organizations and individuals that was formed to address the burden of oral diseases in Colorado and to develop a formal oral health plan for the people of Colorado. Its mission is to develop and promote strategies to achieve optimal oral health for all Coloradans.
What is Be a Smart Mouth?
“Be a Smart Mouth” is a statewide public campaign to raise awareness about the importance of oral health to one’s general health. The campaign was launched in February 2004 to promote public understanding of ways to improve their overall general health. The campaign is directed at policymakers, dental professionals, health care leaders, educators, the news media and the general public.
What are the goals and strategies of the State Oral Health Plan?
As part of its mission, OHAC! developed a state plan for a coordinated oral health improvement initiative entitled “Smart Mouths, Health Bodies: An Action Plan to Improve the Oral Health of Coloradans.” The action-oriented plan for 2010 focuses on six major topic outcome areas for achieving improved oral health for all Colorado citizens: Health Promotion, Policy and Advocacy, Financing, Promising Practices, Systems of Care and Workforce.
What are some of the top oral health issues facing Colorado?
Oral diseases, although nearly 100 percent preventable, continue to impact Coloradoans of all ages:
- In children, oral disease remains five times more common than asthma and affects their ability to concentrate and to learn, speech development and self esteem.
- Many adults suffer from dental disease which affects their general health and well-being.
- Five-year survival rates for people with oral cancer are lower than those for people with breast, cervical and prostate cancers.
- A quarter of the state’s population live in communities that do not have fluoridated drinking water, even though fluoridation is the most cost-effective preventive measure for reducing dental decay.
- Individuals with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and tobacco-related illnesses, are also at increased risk for oral disease.
How can I learn more about OHAC! and the Be a Smart Mouth campaign?
The best source of information is the OHAC! website. Just log on to http://www.beasmartmouth.com.