The Center for Oral Health (COH) has released a new white paper titled Health Equity in Oral Health: Moving Beyond Equality to Justice, which examines how oral health systems can better serve communities facing persistent disparities.
The publication draws a distinction between equality and equity, emphasizing that uniform approaches often fail to meet the needs of underserved populations. According to COH, the paper uses evidence-based analysis and case studies from its Early Smiles Sacramento program and the Big Bear Rural Health Clinic to illustrate how community-specific strategies can lead to more equitable outcomes.
“Equity requires more than good intentions. It requires systemic action,” said Tiffany Turner, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Oral Health. “This paper challenges all of us to stop settling for equal treatment and start designing systems that truly meet people where they are.”
COH states that its approach is informed by the Social-Ecological Model and the Quadruple Aim framework, which guide the design of programs intended to improve population health, enhance patient experience, reduce inefficiencies, and support providers.
The white paper outlines several strategies, including school-based services, mobile dentistry, medical-dental integration, and the use of community health workers. Each is accompanied by policy and practice recommendations aimed at healthcare providers, policymakers, educators, and advocates.
Additional recommendations include expanding Medicaid protections, investing in community-based care models, promoting culturally responsive practices, and increasing workforce diversity.
Health Equity in Oral Health: Moving Beyond Equality to Justice is available online through the Center for Oral Health’s website.
