About NNOHA | NNOHA.org : National Network for Oral Health Access

About NNOHA

The National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was founded in 1991 by a group of Dental Directors from Federally Qualified Community Health Centers (FQHCs) who recognized the need for peer-to-peer networking, services, and collaboration to most effectively operate Health Center dental programs. NNOHA has a diverse membership of safety-net oral health providers: dental directors, dental hygienists, and their supporters. NNOHA’s membership represents the diversity of safety-net oral health settings – from novice to experienced dental directors - from 30 days to 30 years; to diverse safety-net settings - from isolated, rural, one dentist clinics, to large urban practices with 20 or more dentists. NNOHA coordinates efforts to benefit Health Center oral health programs and other safety-net systems across the United States.

Vision: Individuals and communities are aware of the importance of oral health to overall health, engage in recommended oral health practices, and receive affordable, high quality oral health services.

Mission: To improve the oral health of underserved populations and contribute to overall health through leadership, advocacy, and support to oral health providers in safety-net systems.

Values:

Oral health is integrated with primary care.
Evidence-based dental disease management models are in place.
Every Health Center has an oral health program.
Oral health providers have the information, education, skills, resources, and support they need to deliver efficient, high quality services.
We value collaboration with other entities as we pursue our vision.

>> To download NNOHA's Factsheet, click here.

>> To download NNOHA's brochure, click here.

Here are 3 ways that you can get connected with the network & support oral health for underserved populations:

1. JOIN NNOHA:
Click on the membership link above to find out more about membership in NNOHA or to download a membership application or join online. Dues are only $50.00 per year for an individual and $350.00 per year for an organization.

2. SUBSCRIBE TO THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER:

3. Join NNOHA Forums:
NNOHA Forums is a message board for the NNOHA members. The purpose of the Forums is to facilitate discussion among the NNOHA members and allow them to ask questions on various topics to their peers and NNOHA staff. To join the Forums, click here (members only).

About Community Health Center Dental Programs:

Health Centers are non-profit clinics that provide high-quality health care services to underserved, low-income individuals with little, or no insurance.
Nationwide in 2010, Health Centers employed 2,882 dentists and 1,144 dental hygienists (FTE).
828 Health Centers across the country offer dental services.
In 2009, Health Centers provided dental care to 3.75 million patients with 9.2 million visits. During the same timeframe, Health Centers providedmedical care to about 16.8 million patients.

NNOHA’s Past & Current Projects Include:

Peer-to-peer Practice Management advice and clinical technical assistance;
Involvement in the Oral Health Disparities Pilot;
A Website (www.nnoha.org) to provide online resources and support for clinical staff;
Educating decision makers about the importance of oral health for underserved populations;
Advocating for the oral health needs of the underserved;
An informative quarterly newsletter dealing with updates in Health Center dentistry;
Sponsoring an Annual Conference for NNOHA members;
The release of a Health Information Technology (HIT) White Paper to help Health Centers select an appropriate electronic dental records system; and
The development of an Online Job Bank specifically for Health Center dental vacancies.
Development of Health Center dental operations standards and a manual for new Dental Directors;
A series of Practice Management webinars;
A Salary and Retention Survey of Health Center oral health professionals;
Partnership building to support Health Centers; and
Continued advocacy on behalf of underserved patients for increased access to care and improved oral health status.