Each year, this 10-week summer fellowship program focuses on advocacy and research for special populations including oral health of veterans, LGBTQIA+ people, and rural communities. The 2023 cohort of fellows contributed to a special research project for veteran oral health in Iowa, supported by the Delta Dental Foundation of Iowa. The Summer … [Read more...]
A Recap of Our 2023 Summer Research Fellows’ Accomplishments
AIDPH Statement on Recent SCOTUS Decisions
AIDPH is deeply saddened, angered, and disturbed by the recent legal decisions rendered by the Supreme Court of the United States that threaten our core values of diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion. In light of the implications of such decisions, AIDPH reaffirms its commitment to disrupting systems of inequity, specifically in dental public … [Read more...]
Disabilities and Dental Care: Why More Must Be Done to Improve Access
This summer, we recognize several disability awareness days, including the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (July 26). While major strides have been made to promote awareness, accessibility, and equal opportunity for people with disabilities, there is still more work to be done, especially in the dental field. As part of its … [Read more...]
Smile Stronger: A Patient Story of Navigating Dental Care with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
In recognition of EDS/HSD Awareness Month, we invite you to explore the intricate relationship between Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) or hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) and oral health. Kristina Lusk, a Communications Specialist at The American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH), navigates the daily challenges of living with EDS. … [Read more...]
The Journey to Advance Oral Health Equity
The work of disrupting systems that perpetuate disparities is the journey we are on — one we are privileged to share with many partners who collaborate to elevate oral health equity in rural, LGBTQIA+, and veteran communities. Together, we are taking collective action towards a destination of transformational change for a just and sustainable … [Read more...]
Looking Forward to 2023: What We’ve Accomplished and Where We’re Headed
2022 is almost a wrap! If you haven’t already, read AIDPH’s 2022 Impact Report to learn about all of our accomplishments over the past year, and what we’re looking forward to in 2023. There are two “G” words that could be used to describe 2022. The first is growth. AIDPH achieved record growth in the past year while elevating oral health equity … [Read more...]
They Served Our Country. Time to Serve Them.
by Annaliese Cothron, AIDPH Executive Director Rural veterans, like many rural Americans, struggle with consistent access to affordable dental care. More than 85% of veterans don’t qualify for dental care through the VA — and among those who are eligible, only 15% utilize this benefit. During the month of November, AIDPH and CareQuest Institute … [Read more...]
Meet the AIDPH 2022 Summer Fellows
The AIDPH 2022 Summer Oral Health Fellowship kicked off in June. This 10-week program is focused on advocacy and research for special populations including veteran oral health, oral health for LGBTQIA+ people, and oral health in rural communities. Participants will have the opportunity to match areas of interest to opportunities within AIDPH's … [Read more...]