Nebraska Office of Oral Health and Dentistry

Story Behind the Curve

The Office of Oral Health and Dentistry was established in 1949, Nebraska Statute (38-1151) states that DHHS shall appoint a permanent full time Dental Director within the Office of Oral Health and Dentistry. The Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) recommends that all 50 States have an active Dental Director position. In addition, HP2020 national objective (OH-17) calls for an effective dental health program in each state, lead by a licensed dental professional with public health experience. In 2013, Nebraska Legislature passed a bill (38-1149) that fully funded a position for a Director within the Office of Oral Health and Dentistry.

How We Impact

The Office of Oral Health and Dentistry resides within the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health. This Office includes a Dental Coordinator in addition to the Dental Director. Positive public health outcomes depend on adequate public financial resources, and having this office will enable Nebraska to align with national initiatives and funding opportunities.

The DHHS Oral Health team provides education, outreach and coordination for state dental health leaders and policy makers to engage in oral health community improvement opportunities through the use of evidence based prevention strategies. This Office also conducts quarterly Oral Health Advisory Panel meetings (made up of about 15 community dental health advocates) that help guide and ensure that our activities align with our program priorities.

What We Do

The Office of Oral Health and Dentistry will promote and develop activities which will result in the practice and improvement of the dental health of the people in the state.

Clear Impact Suite is an easy-to-use, web-based software platform that helps your staff collaborate with external stakeholders and community partners by utilizing the combination of data collection, performance reporting, and program planning.