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ePaper created 2015-08-27, 18:12:53 | version 1.38.0
By National Dental Association Staff n Established in 1913, the National Dental Association (NDA) promotes oral-health equity among people of color by harnessing the collective power of its members, advocating for the needs of and mentoring den- tal students of color and raising the profile of the profession in our com- munities.Itviews“access”asamatter of social justice. As both caregivers and citizens of the communities that we serve, the NDA’s members are trusted and respected providers who have been at the forefront of treating those who have the least and need the most. Dental care is medically neces- sary, yet millions of Americans lack access to care. Despite advances in health care and technology, glar- ing disparities still exist in some population groups as classified by age, sex, income and race/ethnic- ity. To address these inequities, the NDA-HEALTH NOW™ project (Health Equity. Access. Literacy. Technology. Hope. National Outreach on Wheels) was formed. Projectgoalsaretoincreaseaccess, eliminate disparities and improve health equity in underserved and vulnerablepopulations.Agrassroots, community-based program, NDA- HEALTH NOW replicates and takes to scale key features of the Deamonte Driver Dental Project (DDDP), the award-winning regional children’s program launched in 2008 for Prince Georges County, Md. It serves chil- dren, adults and the elderly; and in additiontodentalcare,offersmedical and vision services. The project promotes inter- professional health teams working with emerging workforce models to increase access and improve total health in America’s most vulnerable communities. Community programs are designed for use either with or without a mobile unit. Increasing awareness about the critical link between oral health and overall health is a key message. A mixed-use mobile health unit designed by ADI-Mobile Health is touringthecountrytoraisefundsand crusade for healthier communities. It is specially equipped to provide each patient with dental screenings and treatment and, additionally, with health screenings (blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol), immuniza- tions, flu shots and vision screen- ings. The unit, design, and exhibition at various conferences were made possible through the donations of ADI-Mobile Health, Henry Schein, and the Greater New York Dental Meeting. Other sponsors and supporters include the W.K. Kellogg Founda- tion, the Coca-Cola Foundation, the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, Colgate, A-dec, Inc., Philips Sonicare, Air Techniques, the Aetna Founda- tion, the Links Foundation, Incorpo- rated, Crest-Oral B, Patterson Dental, Oral Health America and Sunstar. Resources are also provided by academic partners and a massive vol- unteer network of NDA members and community organizations. Programs are currently active in targeted com- munitiesinChicago,Dallas,NewYork and New Orleans. NDA President Dr. Carrie Brown states: “We have launched a crusade for healthier communities that chal- lenges the status quo. We will meet those in need where they are and sup- port our providers, who have made a commitment to remain in commu- nities where they are most needed. While we acknowledge and support health-outreach efforts around the globe, we must remain firmly rooted in our conviction that humanitarian- ism starts at home.” For more information and to make a donation, visit www.ndaonline.org/ healthnow. association news14 Hinman Dental Meeting — March 27, 2015 Through NDA-HEALTH NOW, the legacy lives on Ad 5 NDA-HEALTH NOW New Orleans partners with Colgate to launch its project at the Treme Recreation Center Summer Camp in July. (Photo/Provided by the National Dental Association)