HomeMy WebLinkAboutstrategic-plan-25-30THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH
STRATEGIC PLAN
2025–2030
2 THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030
CONTENTS
I. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
II. Letters from Our Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
III. Importance of Oral Health and Best Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
IV. Methodology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
V. Strategic Plan 2019–2024 Accomplishments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
VI. Needs Assessment Key Findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
VII. Vision, Guiding Principles, and Priority Populations . . . . . . . . . . .19
VIII. The Road Forward: Focus Area Goals and Strategies . . . . . . . . . .20
IX. Evaluation and Surveillance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
X. Five-year Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
XI. Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
XII. Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
XIII. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030 3
ACRONYMS
ACDPH Alameda County
Department of Public
Health
The local public health authority for Alameda County. Often
abbreviated as ACPHD.
CAPE Community Assessment,
Planning, and Evaluation
A unit within ACDPH that provides data, evaluation, and
planning support to improve community health.
CalAIM California Advancing and
Innovating Medi-Cal
A statewide initiative to transform Medi-Cal by integrating
health and social services.
SMART Specific, Measurable,
Achievable, Relevant,
Time-bound
A goal-setting framework used in public health and strategic
planning.
MIHA Maternal and Infant Health
Assessment
A California-based survey collecting data on maternal and
infant health experiences.
HCAI California Department of
Health Care Access and
Information
A state agency focused on health care access, workforce, and
facility safety.
SB/SL School-Based / School-
Linked
Refers to health or dental services provided at or in
coordination with schools to improve access for students.
4 THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030
I. INTRODUCTION
O ral health is a cornerstone of overall health
and well-being for people of all ages. Oral
health impacts eating and speaking, school
achievement, and employment. Tooth decay is the
most common chronic condition for children, and one
of the leading causes of school absenteeism, yet it is
preventable.
The road to improved oral health in Alameda County
is both an inspirational and a challenging story. Since
the last strategic plan was adopted in 2019, we have
made tremendous strides to improve oral health
accessibility, particularly for low-income residents,
improve integration of oral health into overall
healthcare, and develop new funding streams to
support this work.
Yet, due primarily to the challenge of the COVID
pandemic, which severely limited access to oral
health services and education at schools, dental
and medical offices, and community organizations,
progress in oral health was reversed. We are now
regaining our footing, and in some cases, surpassing
the levels of access and improved oral health that
were attained prior to the pandemic.
As this current plan is being adopted, we are acutely
aware of new challenges—including cuts to Medi-Cal
and other funding sources and immigration policies—
that may make dental services more challenging to
access by our County’s most vulnerable populations.
Despite this, we have the experience and
determination to overcome these obstacles
and achieve our vision of optimal oral health for all
Alameda County residents. Bringing together dozens
of organizations and institutions, we as the collective
will continue to serve our community with the
belief that
Oral health is a key to overall
health and a basic human right.
Progress in Alameda County Oral
Health: At a Glance
Since the inception of our last strategic plan in 2019,
we have influenced the environment and transformed
oral health policies and practices throughout the
County and across the State.
»We developed a dental care coordinator workforce,
resembling the Community Health Worker (CHW)
model, that successfully scheduled tens of
thousands of appointments for children, half of
whom had previously never been to the dentist.
This contributed to a statewide policy change
that helped formalize the value of CHWs, now a
reimbursable benefit under Medi-Cal.
»We initiated a vibrant Community of Practice
continuing education program, dedicated to
serving the most vulnerable and encouraging
partnerships with the practicing dental community.
»We built a strong alliance among clinics and the
public health department to serve the hardest to
reach populations and the most vulnerable families.
»We pioneered a collaboration with perinatal
services programs to yield increased utilization
of dental services by pregnant and post-partum
people.
»We joined Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment
the statewide initiative developing school-
based and school-linked services, and program
sustainability.
»We institutionalized the Oral Health Committee of
the Alameda County Public Health Commission,
which created a strong voice for oral health among
policymakers as a key component of overall health.
Building on these successes, this Strategic Plan
proposes ways to strengthen our efforts to reduce
oral health disparities and bring greater accessibility
to all our county residents.
THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030 5
Key Findings from the Needs Assessment
Despite these significant achievements, much work remains to be done. Our recent comprehensive needs
assessment findings continue to highlight persistent disparities in oral health outcomes and access to care,
particularly for children, youth, certain racial and ethnic groups, and specific geographic areas. Ongoing
challenges, including high rates of dental disease, low utilization of dental services among Medi-Cal
beneficiaries, frequent emergency room visits for dental issues, and a lack of diversity among dental providers,
underscore the critical need to further expand resources, tailor program efforts, and advance systemic strategies
to promote oral health equity for all.*
Focus Areas for Intervention
Based on the findings from the Needs Assessment, the following five goal areas are the pillars for the efforts to
improve health equity in oral health throughout the County over the next five years:
* The full needs assessment report will be available on the Office of Dental Health website by December 2025.
Preventive
Equitable
Evidence-based
Responsive
Collaborative Community-centered
Sustainability-focused
Access to
Care
Communication
and Education
Integration
of Oral Health
Oral Health
Workforce
Development
Policy and
Expanded
Funding and
Resources
All Alameda County
residents have optimal
oral health throughout
their life course
6 THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030
Evaluation and
Surveillance
Evaluation and surveillance
are integral to the ongoing
implementation of this strategic
plan to ensure that our
resources are allocated carefully
and effectively for the greatest
impact, while testing innovative
approaches. Our evaluation plan
includes a list of indicators and
performance measures to track
and communicate progress in
addressing the issues identified
in the needs assessment. See
page 26 for the list of 5-year
indicators.
Alignment with the
Alameda County Health Improvement
Plan (CHIP)
The Office of Dental Health’s (ODH) Strategic Plan
advances the shared priorities in the Alameda
County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)
of equity, access, and community well-being. This
ODH Strategic Plan helps achieve one of CHIP’s
central goals of equitable access to dental care, by
expanding prevention and treatment services in
schools, clinics, and community settings, integrating
oral health into medical care, and strengthening
a culturally responsive workforce. In addition, the
Strategic Plan supports CHIP’s focus on economic
security and opportunity through oral health
workforce development pipelines, increasing Medi-
Cal provider participation, reducing cost barriers
and creating career pathways in oral health. Finally,
by promoting education, prevention, and policy
initiatives that reduce the burden of oral disease, the
implementation of the strategic plan contributes to
healthier, more resilient families and communities—
directly reinforcing the CHIP’s vision of equity, safety,
and well-being across Alameda County.
Alignment with the California State
Oral Health Plan
The ODH Strategic Plan aligns with the California
State Oral Health Plan by advancing shared priorities
to improve oral health equity and outcomes. Both
plans emphasize expanding access to preventive and
treatment services, integrating oral health into overall
health systems, and addressing disparities that affect
vulnerable populations. ODH supports the state’s
goals through community-based prevention programs,
school and early childhood initiatives, workforce
development, and cross-sector partnerships. By
aligning the local strategies with the state framework,
Alameda County strengthens its capacity to reduce
oral health disparities and promote optimal oral health
for all residents.
Building on the successes and robust county-wide
collaborations over more than a decade, we are
confident in our ability to overcome today’s obstacles
to achieve greater oral health for all of Alameda
County’s residents, regardless of race, geography,
income, ability, age and other factors.
THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030 7
II. LETTERS FROM OUR DIRECTORS
FROM THE ALAMEDA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR
O ral health, as part of overall health, is a basic human right. I applaud the completion
of the Alameda County Oral Health Strategic Plan 2025–2030—a collaborative
effort to bring Alameda County residents closer to our vision of optimal oral health
for all. Consistent with the Department’s commitment to health equity, this plan addresses
oral health disparities, with a focus on upstream prevention.
This updated (or new) plan builds on the previous innovative Alameda County Oral Health
Strategic Plans. The development of a network of grassroots Community Dental Care
Coordinators has now been institutionalized as Community Health Workers, with funding
from Medi-Cal. This will allow us to expand this vital oral health workforce, while developing
new efforts to increase and diversify the oral health workforce.
A pilot prenatal project reaching pregnant individuals and children 0–5 is bearing fruit in
increasing access to oral health care and education, and setting children up for a lifetime
of good oral health. I’m excited to see that this prenatal program will be expanded and
deepened over the next five years and includes partnering with more organizations and
reaching more people in our prioritized communities.
With partner organizations, we plan to expand programs for people with special health care
needs as well. These are just a few of the many creative strategies in this strategic plan.
Using rigorous assessment, this new plan brings services, education and resources to those
populations who are most in need. We will accomplish this with evidence-based strategies
and innovative programs, that are a hallmark of Alameda County public health efforts.
Through these efforts, we expect to see a reduction in oral health disparities in our County.
I commend the vision, perseverance, skill, and creativity of the many collaborators who have
contributed to this plan and who support oral health for all throughout Alameda County. I
fully support these efforts and am excited by the prospect of oral health equity for all county
residents.
Kimi Watkins-Tartt
Director, Public Health Department
8 THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY HEALTH
SERVICES
S incere congratulations and thank you to all of the partners at the table for completing
the 2025–2030 Alameda County Oral Health Strategic Plan. This plan is the result of
our collective hard work and shared vision of optimal oral health for all.
We know that the best way to achieve our vision is for each of us to
1. Uphold our commitment to promote the importance of oral health
2. Prevent dental disease
3. Connect our residents to community-based services they need to
achieve optimal oral health
From preschools and schools to community clinics and other settings where we serve
children, families, pregnant people, older adults, people with disabilities, unhoused
individuals, and more—all of us get to play a role in implementing this plan that improves oral
health for all.
This roadmap charts our work across agencies to bring oral health services where our
residents already congregate, providing them information that is easily accessible and
understandable, linking education and services together, and developing a funding and
policy agenda—all of which builds upon the work that each of us is already doing. That
makes this plan not only visionary but also feasible.
I look forward to implementing this plan together, and I am excited about the future of oral
health for all residents in Alameda County. Thank you to all our collaborators who make this
possible!
Jenny Wang
Director, Community Health Services
THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030 9
III. IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HEALTH AND BEST
PRACTICES
Importance of Oral Health
Oral health is an essential component of overall well-
being for both children and adults. It impacts physical,
mental, social, and economic health, influencing
self-esteem, daily activities, and quality of life. Tooth
decay is among the most common chronic illnesses
in children. National data shows that about 11% of
children aged 2–5 and nearly 18% of those aged
6–8 have untreated cavities in their primary teeth.
Among teens aged 12–19, roughly 10% have at least
one untreated cavity in their permanent teeth. These
proportions are even more significant for children
of color and those from lower-income backgrounds,
who experience higher rates of decay.11 Access to
preventive dental care and timely treatment is key
to reducing the risk of tooth decay and supporting
lifelong oral health. However, substantial barriers
still exist, especially for vulnerable and underserved
populations. Expanding access to dental services
helps prevent disease, reduce disparities, and
improve overall community health.2
Evidence-Based Recommendations
and Best Practice Approaches
This Alameda County Oral Health Strategic Plan is
aligned with the California Oral Health Plan 2018–
20283 and the Healthy People 2030 Oral Health
Objectives.4 It was guided by authoritative resources,
evidence-based recommendations, and best practice
approaches, as listed below.
KEY RESOURCES FOR BEST PRACTICES:
1. The Guide to Community Preventive
Services: Improving Oral Health5
2. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
Recommendations6,7
3. The Association of State and Territorial
Dental Directors (ASTDD): Proven and
Promising Best Practices for State and
Community Oral Health Programs8
4. American Dental Association9
School-Based Fluoride Varnish Programs:
The school-based fluoride varnish programs are
an effective strategy for preventing tooth decay
in children from preschool through high school.
Evidence demonstrates that these programs lead to
significant increases in student utilization of offered
services, enhance access to preventive treatments,
lower the incidence of tooth decay, and help reduce
disparities in oral disease burden associated with
income and other social determinants of health.10
10 THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030
School-Based Dental Sealant Programs:
School-based sealant programs are an effective way
to deliver dental sealants and prevent tooth decay
among children. Dental sealants are clear or opaque
plastic materials applied to the chewing surfaces
of the back teeth, where they serve as a barrier to
prevent cavities. The programs prioritize schools
located in low-income areas.11
Community Water Fluoridation (CWF):
CWF involves the regulated adjustment of fluoride
levels in public water supplies to an optimal
concentration of 0.7 mg/L (parts per million [ppm]), as
proposed by the Department of Health and Human
Services in 2011. Evidence indicates that communities
with water fluoridation have a significantly lower
prevalence of dental caries. Moreover, there is no
evidence linking CWF to severe dental fluorosis.12The
economic analysis supports CWF, indicating that
its benefits outweigh the costs, especially in larger
communities.13, 14
Integrating Oral Health into Primary Care:
In February 2024, the ASTDD released its policy
statement in support of integrating oral health care
into primary care.15 It encourages the development
of practice-based and evidence-based programs
that can lower costs, improve health outcomes,
and promote health equity. The following are two
examples of integrating oral health into medical care:
Fluoride Varnish Application in Primary Care for
Children Under 5
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
recommends that primary care clinicians apply
fluoride varnish to the primary teeth of all children
under 5 years old, starting at the eruption of the first
tooth.
Integrating Oral Health into Prenatal Care
Pregnancy is a key milestone and an excellent
opportunity for individuals to adopt healthier habits.
Primary care providers, including obstetricians,
gynecologists, and family medicine clinicians, are
uniquely positioned to address oral health needs
in pregnant individuals, as they are often the first
health care professionals to evaluate their overall
well-being. Connecting pregnant people to dental
care is essential for the health of both the expecting
parent and the child.
Bringing Services to the Community:
Embedding preventive services within existing
community-based programs, such as the Women,
Infants, and Children (WIC) program and Head
Start, leverages trusted community touchpoints. By
incorporating dental screenings, education, and
referrals into familiar community locations, we expand
our reach to high-risk populations, promote early
intervention, and foster collaborative partnerships that
improve overall health outcomes.16
Systematic Care Coordination and Linkage
to Services:
Effective care coordination is essential for enhancing
access to oral health services, particularly for families
navigating complex eligibility criteria and insurance
systems. The American Dental Association (ADA)
emphasizes the vital role of Community Dental Health
Coordinators (CDHCs) in this process.17 CDHCs serve
as essential liaisons between dental providers and
community members, assisting families in scheduling
appointments, arranging transportation, and receiving
culturally appropriate health education. This model
closely resembles the Community Health Worker
(CHW) approach in its core functions and values,
emphasizing tailored outreach, education, and
connection to care. This approach builds trust among
providers that clients will be dependable consumers
of care thus building their willingness to participate in
the provider network. It also overcomes logistical and
financial barriers and builds trust and engagement
within underserved communities.18
THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030 11
The 2025–2030 Strategic Plan was
developed in collaboration with County
and community agencies through an
iterative process that engaged more than
100 stakeholders. A Steering Committee
comprised of oral health and medical
providers, health educators, Alameda
County health officials, health advocates,
school officials, and early childhood
administrators led the planning process.
The Committee designed the process,
planned the stakeholder retreat, and
participated in subsequent strategic
planning taskforces, keeping county and
community agencies updated throughout
the process. The Strategic Plan aligns with the
California Oral Health Plan and the Alameda County
Community Health Improvement Plan. It is a blueprint
to expand and strengthen current efforts while
continuing to develop new and innovative approaches
addressing identified barriers to oral health.
Office of Dental Health conducted an oral health
needs assessment in early 2024 using the seven-
step model developed by the Association of State
and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD)19 as a guide,
including collecting, inventorying, and analyzing
both quantitative and qualitative data. The results
of the needs assessment provided the basis for this
strategic plan.
At a retreat in November 2025, more than 50
participants identified five focus areas, and developed
goals and key strategies for this plan. After the retreat,
five taskforces refined the goals and strategies
and drafted elements of the implementation plan.
Stakeholders convened in May 2025 reviewed and
provided final feedback to the draft strategic plan,
advised on implementation priorities, and provided
suggestions on data sharing and coordination—
essential components of successful implementation of
the strategic plan.
STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS TIMELINE
STRATEGIC PLANNING PHASE TIMEFRAME
Oral Health Strategic Planning
Committee formed. Conducted needs
assessment
May–July 2024
Evaluation of 2019–2024 strategic plan,
identified priority populations, reviewed/
revised vision and guiding principles
July–September
2024
Planned and held stakeholder retreat:
SWOT analysis, developed 10-year vision
elements, drafted strategic directions,
goals and strategies
September–
November 2024
Taskforces for each focus area reviewed
and revised goals and strategies;
drafted implementation steps
December 2024–
February 2025
Developed objectives; drafted indicators
and developed 1-year action plan
March–May 2025
Stakeholder meeting: finalized goals
and strategies; reviewed/revised 1-year
action plan; drafted data-sharing and
coordination strategies
May 2025
Plan drafted and edited June–August 2025
Strategic Plan published October 2025
IV. METHODOLOGY
12 THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030
O ver the course of the 2019–2024
strategic plan, the Office of Dental Health
(ODH) made significant strides across
all six focus areas—Access, Communication and
Education, Oral Health Workforce Development,
Integration of Oral Health and Medical Care,
Policy and Sustainability and Surveillance and
Evaluation. The accomplishments outlined below
reflect the commitment to advancing oral health
equity for all Alameda County residents.
Access
ODH plays a central role in increasing access to
oral health services across the county. As a part
of the Healthy Teeth Healthy Communities (HTHC)
initiative, a robust countywide care coordination
system was implemented. This model of care
coordination demonstrated success in bringing
people into care, impacting state policy for the
Community Health Worker benefit. Despite funding
cutbacks in 2020, from 2022–2025, the ODH care
coordination team assisted 2,220 children to establish
a dental home.
ODH expanded the dental sealant program in
Berkeley Unified School District to Livermore Valley
Joint Unified School District. From January 2019
to June 2024, 1,955 students were screened, 604
received dental sealants, and 900 received fluoride
varnish and teeth cleaning.
In early 2023, the California Department of Public
Health awarded the ODH a three-year grant to
develop a model for improving access to dental care
for pregnant and postpartum individuals in the county,
called the Perinatal Dental Demonstration Project
(PDDP).
Since its launch, the PDDP successfully increased
awareness about the importance and safety of dental
care during pregnancy by providing oral health
training to staff and other professionals involved
with pregnant and postpartum individuals, including
WIC, Early Childhood programs, public health
nurses, home visitors, and prenatal care sites, such
as the Comprehensive Prenatal Services Program
(CPSP) coordinators. Over 150 key staff from various
programs attended at least one training session.
In partnership with the Alameda County Dental
Society through the Community of Practice program,
a free continuing education (CE) course focusing
on the importance and safety of dental care during
pregnancy was offered to local dental providers to
improve their capacity to serve this population.
A key achievement of this project was establishing
a closed-loop referral process, which ensures that
referral sources are informed about the status of their
referrals on a regular basis. In this process, patients
referred to ODH from CPSP coordinators, WIC, and
community partners were connected to appropriate
dental care via ODH’s care coordination team.
Through this interdisciplinary collaboration, the care
coordination team successfully facilitated over 300
dental appointments for the perinatal population since
the project launch.
V. STRATEGIC PLAN 2019–2024
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030 13
Communication and
Education
ODH continued to elevate oral health
as a public health priority by regularly
participating in community outreach
events, offering direct engagement with
residents across diverse communities.
These efforts helped build trust,
increase awareness about oral health
services, and connect families to dental
homes. From 2021–2025, ODH staff
engaged with 20,557 residents through
these outreach events. ODH provided
specialized oral health trainings to
prenatal medical providers, primary
care medical providers and clinical staff,
as well as early childcare center staff, to
strengthen early prevention, screenings
and referral practices. We conducted
59 sessions from 2020–2025,
training 1,391 staff members at partner
organizations as well as medical professionals.
In addition, ODH developed and distributed oral
health education resources tailored for all life stages,
from early childhood through older adulthood
Oral Health Workforce Development
ODH developed a Community of Practice (COP) for
dental professionals, a continuing education and
mentorship program for general dentists focused
on treating priority populations, in collaboration with
the UCSF School of Dentistry. ODH expanded COP
through a new partnership with Alameda County
Dental Society, ensuring ongoing professional
development and a shared commitment to oral health.
Integration of Oral Health and
Medical Care
ODH strengthened the integration of oral health
into broader health systems, including training
430 primary care providers and clinic staff on the
application of fluoride varnish during well-child visits.
Policy and Sustainability
Following the conclusion of the HTHC grant in 2020,
ODH embedded key components—particularly care
coordination and the Community of Practice—into
ongoing county efforts, ensuring their continuation
beyond the life of the grant. ODH also supported
sustainability across the county by partnering with
and advocating for community-based organizations as
they sought funding and policy changes to integrate
care coordination into their workflows and to continue
implementation of other strategic plan priorities.
Surveillance and Evaluation
ODH maintained a strong commitment to data-driven
planning and decision-making. The infrastructure
built throughout previous strategic plans supported
continued monitoring of service gaps, workforce
capacity, and oral health disparities. Evaluation
activities helped shape program design and
policy recommendations, ensuring alignment with
community needs and public health best practices.
14 THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030
The needs assessment key findings presented
here are based on a combination of
qualitative and quantitative data sources. A
full comprehensive needs assessment report with
detailed findings will be available on the ODH website
by the end of 2025.
For the qualitative data, in June and July of 2024,
Consultant Miriam Abrams conducted eight key
informant interviews, reflecting a variety of current
and potential partner organizations. Participants
representing organizations serving pregnant people,
older adults, children aged 0–5, school-aged children,
individuals with special health care needs, and others,
as well as representatives of the County Oral Health
Commission and the local Dental Society.
Sources for the quantitative data included the U.S.
Census Bureau, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, the California Health Interview Survey
(CHIS), the Department of Healthcare Services
(DHCS) California Health and Human Services Agency
Open Data Portal, California Department of Health
Care Access and Information (HCAi) for emergency
department visits for non-traumatic dental conditions,
community programs dental screening data such as:
Head Start, Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center, Big Smile
for Mobile Dental Services, and ODH’s school-based
and WIC Dental Days programs.
Findings of Qualitative Data Analysis
Interviewees commended the good working
relationships with and responsiveness of the ODH
staff in serving priority populations. Partners thought
that care coordination and patient navigation
are extremely helpful in supporting members
of underserved communities to get dental care,
understand the importance of good oral health, and
prevent dental disease. Interviewees said more dental
providers and/or links to dental homes, and more
detailed information on oral health resources are
needed.
VI. NEEDS ASSESSMENT KEY FINDINGS
THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030 15
Findings of Quantitative Data Analysis
Demographic Characteristics
Alameda County is one of the most
culturally diverse counties in the state.
However, racial/ethnic and place-
based disparities exist in the poverty
rate among the residents, particularly
children and youth,20 as shown in
Figures 1 and 2.
FIGURE 2: ALAMEDA COUNTY POVERTY RATE BY ZIP CODE (2022)
Source: ACDPH CAPE with data from American Community Survey 2022 5-year survey
0%5%10%15%20%25%30%
American/Black
Pacific
Islander
AmericanIndian/Alaska
Native
Multiracial
Asian
White
32
18%
16%
10%
7%
5%
4%
FIGURE 1: ALAMEDA COUNTY POVERTY RATE AMONG CHILDREN
AND YOUTH UNDER 18 YEARS OLD BY RACE AND ETHNICITY (2022)
Source: ACDPH CAPE with data from 2022 American Community Survey 1-year file;
except for White, all groups include Hispanic/Latino; Hispanic/Latino includes people
of any race.
16 THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030
Oral health challenges remain a significant public
health issue in Alameda County, impacting children,
adolescents, adults, and older adults. Surveillance
data reveal ongoing burdens of oral disease,
suboptimal utilization of preventive dental services,
and persistent disparities in access and outcomes
across population groups. The following details
illustrate key indicators and highlight priority areas
for intervention to advance oral health equity in the
county.
Dental Care Utilization
Dental care utilization among Medi-Cal Dental
beneficiaries is low, with only 44% of children aged
0–20 and 20% of adults 21+ having an annual dental
visit in 2022.21
Similarly, utilization of preventive dental services
among children is relatively low, yet it is recovering
after a marked decline in 2020. In Alameda County,
the prevalence of Medi-Cal dental eligible children
aged 0–20 receiving preventive dental services was
41% in 2022, showing overall improvement since
2020,22 as shown in Figure 3. Notably, this measure is
one of the selected indicators by the California Oral
Health Plan 2018–2028, which aimed to achieve a
rate of 48% utilization by 2020.23 This highlights the
continued need for focused efforts to increase access
and utilization of preventive dental care among
children in the county.
Disparities exist in utilization of dental care during
pregnancy across demographic groups. Latina
and Black/African American pregnant individuals
consistently have the lowest utilization of dental care.
In contrast, utilization is higher among those aged 35
and older compared to younger individuals. Among
pregnant people with incomes between 100% and
200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), utilization
of dental services remains lower despite Medi-Cal
coverage, suggesting both limited awareness of
available benefits and possible hesitancy to seek care
during pregnancy.24 These disparities may be further
compounded by other social determinants of health—
such as transportation, childcare, and language
barriers—which may make it even more difficult for
certain groups to obtain the dental services needed.
FIGURE 3: UTILIZATION OF PREVENTIVE DENTAL SERVICES BY MEDI-CAL DENTAL ELIGIBLE CHILDREN AGED 0-20 IN ALAMEDA COUNTY (2018–2022)
Source: California Department of Health Care Services. California Health and Human Services Agency Open Data Portal.
https://data.chhs.ca.gov
THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030 17
Emergency department visits for
non-traumatic dental conditions
(NTDC) are highest among African
American/Black individuals and
adults aged 21-64 in Alameda
County. Notably, Black/African
Americans are 13.5 times more
likely than Asians and 5.7 times
more likely than Whites to seek
dental care at the emergency
department for NTDC, as shown
in Figure 4. Pacific Islanders and
Hispanic/Latino/a/x/e residents
use emergency care more than
four times the rate of Asian
residents and twice as often as
white residents. Additionally, public
insurance is the payor for 70% of
these visits, representing not only
a substantial and avoidable public
expense but also highlighting
deeper systemic challenges in
connecting the population to timely
and regular dental care.25
Kindergarten Oral Health
Assessment (KOHA)
Dental screening for young children is
essential for identifying dental caries
and ensuring timely connection to care,
which is a core goal of KOHA, a statewide
mandatory program that requires schools
to collect proof of a child’s dental health
screening prior to starting school.
However, most schools in the county do
not participate in the KOHA, and only
19% of students provided proof of KOHA
assessment in 2023.26
0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200
AfricanAmerican/Black
Pacific
Islander
Hispanic/Latino/a/x/e
AmericanIndian/AlaskaNative
White
Multirace
Asian
All races
1,203
494
410
270
211
175
89
335
13.5X
Age-Adjusted Rate per 100,000 Population
FIGURE 4: AGE-ADJUSTED RATE OF EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT VISITS FOR NTDC BY RACE AND ETHNICITY (2020–2022)
Source: ACPHD CAPE, with data from HCAI 2020-2022
18 THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030
Oral Health Status
The oral health status of children in
the county is concerning, with a high
prevalence of preventable dental
cavities and nearly 10% in need of
urgent dental care.
Nearly 28% of adolescents in the
county reported that they missed
school time due to dental problems in
2021–2023, compared to a 9% average
in California.27
The average percentage of total
tooth loss among older adults across
the county has shown a significant
decline since 2018 as shown in Figure
5; however, significant geographic
disparities persist by zip codes.28
Dental Resources
A representative dental workforce, along with
adequate provider-to-beneficiary ratios, is
fundamental to equitable access to dental care. In
Alameda County, the ratio of enrolled dentists in
Medi-Cal Dental to beneficiaries is 1 to 1,667, which
is significantly lower than the general dentist-to-
population ratio of 1 to 960.29 Additionally, the racial
and ethnic composition of the dental workforce does
not reflect the county’s vast diversity. Addressing both
provider availability and workforce diversity remains
essential for ensuring all residents can obtain timely,
culturally competent, and comprehensive dental care.
Nearly 77% of adults and 95% of children self-reported
having dental insurance in 2022–2023.30 The lower
coverage rate among adults means they are less
likely to access regular dental care and more likely to
postpone treatment due to financial or other barriers.
This may contribute to poorer oral health outcomes
for adults and increases in reliance on emergency
services for dental problems.
2018 2020 2022
9%
7%6%
FIGURE 5: PERCENTAGE OF ADULTS 65+ WITH TOTAL TOOTH LOSS, ALAMEDA COUNTY (2018–2022)
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention PLACES: Local Data for Better
Health. https://www.cdc.gov/places/
THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030 19
The Steering Committee reaffirmed our shared commitment to this vision, guiding principles, and priority populations
for the next five years. .
Vision: All Alameda County residents have optimal oral health
throughout their life course.
Guiding Principles
»Oral health is an essential component of overall
health.
»Prevention should be prioritized and expanded, yet
not to the exclusion of treatment needs, as part of
the continuum of care.
»To close disparities and achieve optimal oral
health for all, it is imperative to focus our efforts
on understanding and addressing the needs of
Alameda County’s marginalized populations.
»Oral Health strategies, approaches and services
should be evidence-based, as well as informed by
best practices that are grounded in and reflective
of our community’s unique and diverse resources
and needs.
»Culturally and linguistically appropriate oral health
services are necessary to achieve health equity.
»Forming partnerships and relationships
among government entities, community-based
organizations, clinics, and individuals enables us
to successfully integrate oral health initiatives,
ultimately achieving equitable oral health for all.
»Oral health promotion and care coordination are
essential to encourage families to access dental
care and maintain good oral health.
»Policy changes that sustain increased, equitable
access to and utilization of dental services and
ensure quality of care are critical to improving oral
health across the County.
»Patient, family, and community involvement is
important to achieve oral health for all.
Priority Populations
The Steering Committee selected the following
priority populations based on a thorough analysis
of data on prevalence of oral health problems
and utilization of services, as well as our guiding
principles.
»Children 0 to 20 years old, with a focus on 0–5
years old and elementary school children
»Pregnant and post-partum people
»Older adults
»Children and their families experiencing
homelessness
»Children and youth with special health care needs
»Communities experiencing significant disparities,
including communities of color and low-income
groups
VII. VISION, GUIDING PRINCIPLES, AND
PRIORITY POPULATIONS
20 THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030
The following goals and strategies were developed based on the needs assessment and learning from past
successes and challenges.
1. ACCESS
To minimize barriers to preventive health services and treatment, we will prioritize offering services at sites where
priority populations already congregate, in partnership with diverse organizations. In alignment with the California
State Oral Health Plan, we will focus on expanding school-based and school-linked programs and increasing
participation in the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA).
Building on successful programs with organizations serving prenatal individuals and children 0–5, we propose
expanding to new partners, enhancing coordination, and securing additional resources. Care coordination,
a proven linchpin in supporting individuals in accessing care, will be expanded and integrated into a greater
range of agencies serving all ages. This focus area aligns directly with the Alameda County Community Health
Improvement (CHIP) priority area, Health and Behavioral Care Access and Delivery. Both focus on reducing
barriers, expanding affordable and culturally appropriate services, and ensuring that all residents—especially
underserved populations—can obtain the care they need.
GOAL:To improve the availability and utilization of oral health services for
priority populations.
OBJECTIVE 1:Each year, two additional organizations/programs that work with priority
populations will report improvement in their competencies and capacity to
assess dental needs and refer patients to dental care coordination.
STRATEGY: Improve and expand dental care coordination, integrating it into new and existing
programs. Expand partnerships with a range of agencies, provide training and technical
assistance (TA) for care coordination programs, utilize state case management
resources, and use CHW benefits for dental services.
OBJECTIVE 2:In partnership with Community Health Centers (CHC) and other partners,
ODH will coordinate at least one dental screening, health education, and care
coordination event at 10 early childhood programs or prenatal care sites per
year.
STRATEGY: Improve awareness, access, and dental care utilization for prenatal individuals and
children aged 0–5. Expand the education of and provide resources to program staff at
partner agencies, expand coordination with local dental societies and clinics for dental
screening events at locations serving this population, and create a centralized hub for
data.
OBJECTIVE 3:In partnership with CHCs and other partners, ODH will coordinate annual dental
screening, health education, and care coordination events in at least 20 schools
where more than 50% of students rely on Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program
(FRPM), emphasizing kindergarten students.
VIII. THE ROAD FORWARD:
FOCUS AREA GOALS AND STRATEGIES
THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030 21
STRATEGY:Enhance and expand school-based/school-linked (SB/SL) dental services. Coordinate
the provision of dental services with dental provider organizations. Collaborate with
immunization programs and leverage resources to expand dental screenings, programs,
and services.
OBJECTIVE 4:The percentage of schools participating in Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment
(KOHA) will increase to 50% from a baseline of 32%.
OBJECTIVE 5:The percentage of students participating in KOHA will increase to 40% from the
baseline of 25%.
STRATEGY:Increase awareness of and participation in the KOHA mandate through collaboration
with key stakeholders. Collaborate with early childhood educational programs, school
districts, local dental societies, and clinics to raise awareness about the KOHA mandate,
an essential component of early prevention, and increase participation and facilitate
screenings, referrals, and care coordination.
2. COMMUNICATION AND EDUCATION
Public health messages are most effective when delivered by trusted messengers and in culturally and
linguistically responsive ways. The Office of Dental Health will work closely with a range of partner agencies
who serve priority populations to develop and communicate impactful messaging, while training and supporting
their staff regarding effective oral health practices. A network of oral health champions will be created to deliver
messaging about oral health practices and resources. This focus area aligns with the CHIP priority of Healthy
Living Environments. Both emphasize increasing health literacy, community outreach, and culturally appropriate
education to empower residents to make healthier choices and prevent disease.
GOAL:To prioritize population-level communication, increasing oral health
literacy and supporting healthy behaviors in communities.
OBJECTIVE 1:An oral health communication plan that includes culturally and linguistically
appropriate messages will be developed and disseminated in collaboration with
relevant partners.
STRATEGY:Update, disseminate, and implement the Office of Dental Health’s 2-year
communication plan, aligned with the oral health strategic plan 2025–2030.
Identify key messages that are culturally and linguistically appropriate toimprove oral
health, enhance utilization of social media, and provide training and TA to partners’ staff.
OBJECTIVE 2:A network of oral health champions from diverse backgrounds will be trained
to deliver standardized oral health education to community members across
Alameda County.
STRATEGY:Empower and engage partners to better serve their community as it relates to oral
health. Create a network of oral health champions through academic institutions and
existing programs and train non-traditional organizations to deliver oral health messages.
22 THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030
3. INTEGRATION OF ORAL HEALTH IN MEDICAL CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES
Oral health is integral to overall health, yet oral health services are often separated from primary care and other
services. In the next five years, integration of oral health services and education will be expanded and further
institutionalized by training non-dental pre-natal, primary care, and early childhood professionals; providing
services by dental and non-dental providers at locations where priority populations frequent and further
integrating oral health into other public health programs. This focus area aligns with the Alameda County CHIP
priority of Health and Behavioral Care Access and Delivery. Both emphasize coordinated, comprehensive care
by embedding oral health into medical settings, improving care coordination, and ensuring residents receive
whole-person, accessible services.
GOAL:To integrate oral health assessment, education, prevention, and referral
into primary care and social service programs.
OBJECTIVE 1:At least five sites serving prenatal and children aged 0–5 will integrate oral
health training into ongoing staff professional development.
OBJECTIVE 2:At least five sites serving prenatal and children aged 0–5 will implement a
closed-loop referral process to connect pregnant people and young children to
dental care.
STRATEGY:Integrate oral health into Prenatal Care and Early Childhood Programs. Incorporate
oral health education into training for non-dental professionals, coordinate annual dental
screenings and education events at key locations, support closed-loop referral systems
and provide referral resources.
OBJECTIVE 3:At least 30% of children aged 1 to 20 will receive at least two topical fluoride
applications by a medical professional during the measurement year, as
indicated in the CA Department of Health of Health Care Services annual
preventive services report.
OBJECTIVE 4:At least three pediatric providers will have established a closed-loop referral
process to connect priority populations to dental care.
STRATEGY:Integrate oral health into Pediatric Primary Care and Family Practices. Expand
collaboration with health providers to integrate dental components into care, supporting
fluoride varnish applications, and integrating dental health curriculum into pediatric
residency programs.
OBJECTIVE 5:At least three disease prevention programs that serve populations at high risk of
developing dental diseases will incorporate a dental assessment and connection
to care into their services.
OBJECTIVE 6:At least three social service programs will incorporate dental assessment and
connection to care into their services.
STRATEGY:Integrate oral health into other public health programs. Train staff who work with high-
risk patients and ensure oral health representation within disease prevention programs.
THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030 23
4. ORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
In Alameda County, as throughout California, oral health outcomes vary widely among people of different
races, cultures, and income levels. A key component to narrowing inequities in oral health is to increase the
number of oral health professionals who reflect the populations served. To accomplish this, we will explore
innovative practices with proven effectiveness to train, recruit, and retain a diversity of oral health professionals
in addition to training all staff to have greater understanding of and sensitivity to people of different cultures and
backgrounds.
Care coordination will be expanded, as this model has proven to be effective in supporting priority populations
to access services and education. In addition, these CHW roles can provide an important pipeline or on-ramp
into professional dental and public health career pathways. This focus area aligns with the CHIP priority of
Health and Behavioral Care Access and Delivery. Both emphasize strengthening and diversifying the workforce
to improve capacity, ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate care, and expand access for underserved
communities.
GOAL:To increase the diversity of the oral health workforce, enhance cultural
and linguistic responsiveness, and strengthen its capacity to better serve
the priority populations
OBJECTIVE 1:A mentorship program will be established serving at least 20 participants,
in collaboration with dental and hygiene societies, to support a diverse and
competent group of newly Medi-Cal-Dental-enrolled dentists, dental hygienists,
and dental office staff, building on the existing COP program.
24 THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030
OBJECTIVE 2:At least 100 dental providers (DDS, DA, RDA, RDH, RDHAPs) and 50 dental
office/clinic staff members will biannually receive a minimum of one training
session on providing culturally appropriate services for priority populations.
STRATEGY:Expand and diversify the Medi-Cal Dental providers network and their staff. Utilize
best practices in recruitment and retention, including mentorships, trainings and possible
scholarships. Increase collaboration with dental societies and the Medi-Cal Dental
program.
OBJECTIVE 3:At least 15 organizations or programs, including non-dental allied health
professionals’ programs/residencies, will have embedded oral health training
with culturally responsive and inclusive practices components as part of their
professional development efforts.
OBJECTIVE 4:Three programs/organizations that employ CHWs, Family Navigators, or similar
positions will incorporate responsibilities related to connecting clients to dental
care into their roles.
STRATEGY:Enhance community dental care coordination to enhance the quality and
comprehensiveness of community services and programs as they relate to oral health,
utilizing CalAIM, the community health worker benefit, and related strategies. Support
the addition of a component on cultural sensitivity and related topics into staff training
and residents/interns’ projects; advocate for adding dental care coordination to staff
job descriptions; support Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans in meeting their oral health
performance measures; and incorporate a dental community health practicum into allied
health residency programs.
OBJECTIVE 5:At least three career programs will be established or strengthened in
collaboration with FQHCs, academic institutions, local schools, and/or the
Alameda Health System, ensuring students from diverse cultural backgrounds
gain hands-on experience in the dental public health field.
OBJECTIVE 6:At least 10 dental interns/residents will participate in dental public health training
programs
STRATEGY:Create employment opportunities through career pathway programs and training
opportunities, specifically prioritizing a diverse workforce and supporting equity
in economic security. Create career pathway programs and training opportunities,
including mentorships, in partnership with local schools and health organizations.
Collaborate with FQHCs and academic institutions to host residents/interns.
THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030 25
5. POLICY AND EXPANDED FUNDING AND RESOURCES
Policies and funding that support oral health have expanded over the past five years, thanks to a strong
sustained effort among a variety of stakeholders throughout the County and the State. This focus area aligns
with the CHIP focus area of Healthy Living and Environments. Both emphasize creating supportive policies and
systems that address social and structural barriers, promote prevention, and advance health equity across the
county.
GOAL:To advance innovative policies and expand funding that will support and
sustain the Alameda County Oral Health Strategic Plan goals.
OBJECTIVE 1:By June 2027, the Oral Health Committee of the Public Health Commission will
develop and promote a county-wide policy statement to advocate for improved
access to care, including dental care coordination services, and share it with the
Board of Supervisors.
STRATEGY:Develop and advocate for policies and funding that strengthen county-wide dental
care coordination. Advocate for reimbursement policies, ensure dental care coordination
is incorporated into Managed Care responsibilities, and identify and create policies and
processes that facilitate care coordination.
OBJECTIVE 2:A communication plan will be developed and implemented to inform relevant
stakeholders about statewide policies related to oral health, including KOHA, to
encourage implementation.
STRATEGY:Align with statewide policies and initiatives, particularly the KOHA mandate, to
improve dental access for the priority population. Explore funding sources to support
KOHA activities and CHWs and propose policy recommendations for sustainable funding
and improved access to oral health services.
OBJECTIVE 3:Policy and promising practices will be identified, developed, implemented,
and/or disseminated to increase recruitment and retention of the oral health
workforce, especially at FQHCs.
STRATEGY:Analyze and implement policies and funding to ensure the expansion of the oral health
workforce and improve culturally responsive access for priority populations. Support
effective approaches to increase recruitment and retention of OH workforce; ensure
collaboration among policymakers and health policy organizations; and identify funding
sources, including tax dollars, to support adequate staffing.
OBJECTIVE 4:A sustainability plan will be developed, building on identified and secured
expanded funding sources, promising policies and practices, and strong
partnerships.
STRATEGY:Create and advocate for policies and funding that advance and prioritize county
and state-wide oral health initiatives. Communicate an annual policy agenda with
policymakers, incorporate oral health initiatives into related county-wide MOUs and
policies, and advocate for increased funding for oral health initiatives as part of a widely
disseminated sustainability plan.
26 THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030
A lameda County’s evaluation plan for the
Oral Health Strategic Plan 2025–2030 was
developed through a collaborative process
to clarify roles, strengthen accountability, and guide
implementation. Internal Public Health staff, external
evaluators, and program partners, each of whom have
defined responsibilities for monitoring progress and
contributing data, received the evaluation plan, and
results will be shared regularly with the Public Health
Commission, Advisory Committee, and community
partners. Implementation activities will be adjusted
as needed to respond to emergent or unforeseen
situations.
The plan identifies meaningful indicators and
measures tied to SMART objectives, balancing
ambition with feasibility and resource capacity. By
embedding clear reporting channels and mechanisms
for continuous quality improvement, Alameda County
ensures that evaluation findings inform real-time
decision-making, support adaptation to emerging
needs, and advance the long-term vision of equitable
oral health for all communities.
IX. EVALUATION AND SURVEILLANCE
THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030 27
The following are overall indicators to evaluate the impact of the Strategic Plan. Additional outcomes have
been developed for each strategy and are part of the Implementation Plan, which is a separate document. The
indicators below are aligned with the State of California Oral Health Plan.
CATEGORY INDICATOR DATA SOURCE
Untreated
tooth decay
and caries
experience
Percent of kindergarten students with untreated tooth decay KOHA
Percent of Third Grade students with caries experience Smile Survey
Caries Disparities Reduction in the racial/ethnic disparity in the percentage of third-
grade students who have caries experience Smile Survey
Utilization of
Services
Percent of children 0–5 enrolled in Medi-Cal Dental who received at
least one preventive service DHCS
Percent of children 0–20 enrolled in Medi-Cal Dental who received at
least one preventive service DHCS
Percent of children 6–9 and 10–14 enrolled in Medi-Cal Dental who
received dental sealant DHCS
Percent of adults 21-64 enrolled in Medi-Cal Dental who received an annual dental service DHCS
Percent of adults 65+ enrolled in Medi-Cal Dental who received an
annual dental service DHCS
Percent of women with a recent live birth who received dental care MIHA
Percent of children 1–20 who received topical FV at pediatric medical
settings
DHCS Preventive
Services Report
Disparities in
utilization of
services
Percent of children 0–20 enrolled in Medi-Cal Dental who received an
annual dental service by race/ethnicity DHCS
Percent of women with a recent live birth who received dental care, by
race/ethnicity and insurance type MIHA
Workforce Level/scope of participation of dentists in Medi-Cal Dental Program ODH dental provider
survey
Number of enrolled dentists in Medi-Cal Dental DHCS, Smile CA
Diversity of dental providers (Dentists, RDH, RDA), by race/ethnicity
and spoken language HCAI
Emergency
Department
Visits (NTDC)Rate per 100,000 of ED visits for NTDC HCAI
X. FIVE-YEAR INDICATORS
28 THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030
Alameda County Strategic Planning for Oral Health: Steering Committee
Miriam Abrams
Consultant
Miriam Abrams and Associates
Parvin Ahmadi
Castro Valley School District
Bahar Amanzadeh
Public Health and Innovation
Consultant
Tolo Asefi
First 5 Alameda County
Arash Aslami
Office of Dental Health
Alameda County Public Health
Department
James Burke
Alameda Alliance for Health
Lana Davila
Early Childhood Impact
YMCA East Bay
Ignacio Ferrey
Fatherhood Initiative
Alameda County Public Health
Department
Jared Fine
Consultant
Office of Dental Health
Darlene Fujii
Division of Communicable Disease
Control & Prevention
Alameda County Public Health
Department
Anna Gruver
Maternal Paternal Child and
Adolescent Health
Alameda County Public Health
Department
Yadvir Kaur
Office of Dental Health
Alameda County Public Health
Department
Huong Le
Asian Health Services
Hayam Megally
Office of Dental Health
Alameda County Public Health
Department
Leilani Moore
Office of Dental Health
Alameda County Public Health
Department
Charmaine Ng
Alameda Health Systems
Sridevi Ponnala
Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center
Rachel Torres
Health Services and School
Nursing
Loc Tran
Alameda Alliance
Tim Verceles
University of the Pacific
Julie Williamson
Community Health Services
Alameda County Public Health
Department
Kathleen Willkom
WIC Program
Alameda County Public Health
Department
Domonique Wilson
First 5 Alameda County
Nandita Yasmin
Office of Dental Health
Alameda County Public Health
Department
XI. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030 29
Community Meeting Participants
Miriam Abrams
ODH Consultant
Evelyn Alfaro Bravo
ODH Intern, ACPHD
Bahar Amanzadeh
ODH Consultant
Arash Aslami
ODH, ACPHD
Sandra Barahona
ODH, ACPHD
Matt Beyers
CAPE, ACPHD
Siobhan Burgos
OOD, ACPHD
Claudia Campos
CHS, ACPHD
Benjamin Chen
QIA, ACPHD
Kerri Chen
OOD, ACPHD
Christopher Chiu
Kids Place Dentistry
Denise Chiu
ODH Intern
UCSF DPH Resident
Lana Davila
Early Childhood Impact
YMCA of The East Bay
Ethel Dimagiba
Head Start,
City of Oakland
Andrea Dodge
CHS, ACPHD
Joan Edelstein
Alameda County School
Nurses, SAC State
Yilak Fantaye
CAPE, ACPHD
Ignacio Ferrey
FHS, ACPHD
Jared Fine
ODH Consultant
Darlene Fujii
DCDCP, ACPHD
Eia Gardner
Oakland Unified School
District, Alameda County
Brandi Gates Burgess
First 5 Alameda County
Anna Gruver
FHS, ACPHD
Lisa Haefele
CHS, ACPHD
Melissa Hernandez
Healthcare and Social
Services
Alameda County Board of
Supervisors, District 1
Gary Howard
Alameda County Public
Health Commission
Kale Jenks
CHSC, ACPHD
David Kittams
American Academy of
Pediatrics
Yadvir Kaur
ODH, ACPHD
Dominique Lindsey
Roots Community Clinic
Dai-Ling Ma
ODH, ACPHD
Lilian Mandanas
ODH, ACPHD
Monica McVanePearson
La Clinica, Alameda
County
Hayam Megally
ODH, ACPHD
Leilani Moore
ODH, ACPHD
Randy Nakamura
Hayward Unified School
District, Alameda County
Karla Navarro
Perinatal Services
Alameda County
Ezinne Ndubuisi
ODH Intern, ACPHD
Cheila Phan
Kidango
Larry Platt
Former Chair, Oral Health
Committee, Alameda
County Public Health
Commission
Lucy Rivello
East Bay Regional Center
Isabel (Aurora) Rubio-
Mamuri
ODH, ACPHD
Hana Solomon
Alameda County Dental
Society
Cynthia Sugimura
Asian Health Services
Rachel Torres
Alameda County Office of
Education
Karen Toto
Alegria Community Living,
Alameda County
Arianna Vaesworn
FHS, ACPHD
Anchita Venkatesh
Alameda Health Systems
Paola Vera
Kidango
Jenny Wang
CHS, ACPHD
Julie Williamson
CHS, ACPHD
Domonique Wilson
First 5 Alameda County
Nandita Yasmin
ODH, ACPHD
Deborah Young
Big Smiles Mobile Dental
30 THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030
Task Force Group Members
Miriam Abrams
Adriana Alvarado
Bahar Amanzadeh
Arash Aslami
Siobhan Burgos
Estela Cardenas
Ben Chen
Ginny Curtin
Lana Davila
Joan Edelstein
Ignacio Ferrey
Jared Fine
Elly Francisco
Darlene Fujii
Eia Gardner
Corina Gutierrez
Lisa Haefele
Melissa Hernandez
Gary Howard
Kale Jenks
Yadvir Kaur
Huong Le
Monica MacVane-Pearson
Hayam Megally
LK Monroe
Leilani Moore
Charmaine Ng
Larry J Platt
Paris Pryor
Neshat Rezai
Nicole Smith
Rachel Torres
Laura Vazquez
Paola Vera
Julie Williamson
Kathleen Willkom
Nandita Yasmin
Report Acknowledgements
WRITING & EDITING
Miriam Abrams
Bahar Amanzadeh
Arash Aslami
Jared Fine
Lisa Haefele
Yadvir Kaur
Hayam Megally
Leilani Moore
Julie Williamson
Nandita Yasmin
Task Force group members
STRATEGIC PLANNING
CONSULTANT
Miriam Abrams
Miriam Abrams and Associates
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Yvonne Day-Rodriguez
Y. Day Designs
THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030 31
California Health Interview
Survey (CHIS)
A leading source of credible
and comprehensive data on the
health and health care needs
of California’s large and diverse
population.
Care Coordination
The facilitation of a client’s health
care whereby the care coordinator
helps navigate barriers to care by
providing resources needed to
carry out all required patient care
activities including communication
with care providers and scheduling
of appointments.
Caries (dental caries)
Also known as tooth decay, caries
occurs when bacteria produce
acids after breaking down sugar
from food and beverages. These
acids cause damage to hard
structure of the teeth.
Cavities (carious lesion)
Tiny holes or structural damages
that start on the outer layer of
teeth by acids produced by
bacteria.
Community Dental Health
Coordinator (CDHC)
A trained community outreach
worker who assists clients with
oral health education, care
coordination, and navigation of the
oral healthcare system within the
community where clients live.
Community Health Worker (CHW)
A frontline public health worker
who lives in and/or is trusted
by the community. A CHW
connects people to health and
social services by breaking down
barriers related to the social
determinants of health.
Community of Practice (COP)
A network of private practice
dentists and federally qualified
health centers (FQHCs) that
recognize the importance of
equitable access to care, are
knowledgeable of barriers to
care experienced by Medi-Cal
enrollees and are proficient in
applying preventive dentistry and
motivational interviewing.
Comprehensive Perinatal
Services Program (CPSP)
A Medi-Cal benefit that provides a
wide range of culturally competent
services to pregnant individuals
from conception through 60 days
postpartum. In addition to standard
obstetric services, patients receive
enhanced services in the areas
of psychosocial health, health
education, and nutrition.
Department of Health Care
Services (DCHS)
The state agency that administers
Medi-Cal.
Dental Disease
A variety of conditions affect
the teeth, gums, and overall oral
cavity, with tooth decay and gum
disease being the most common
and preventable types.
Dental Sealants
A dental protective coating that is
painted onto the chewing surfaces
of the back teeth. It acts as a
barrier, preventing cavities and
helping to keep children’s teeth
healthy.
Federally Qualified Health Center
(FQHC)
Federally funded nonprofit health
centers or clinics that serve
medically underserved areas
and populations. FQHCs provide
primary care services regardless
of the patients’ ability to pay.
Services are provided on a sliding
scale fee based on the ability to
pay.
Fluoride Varnish
A highly concentrated form of
fluoride that is applied to the
surface of the teeth, forming a
protective layer that helps prevent
tooth decay.
Head Start
A federally funded pre-school
program for enrolled low-income
families that promotes school
readiness through education,
health, nutrition and social
services.
Health Equity
Health equity means ensuring
everyone has a fair and just
opportunity to be as healthy as
possible, and no one is unable to
achieve their full health potential.
It involves addressing social,
economic, and environmental
factors that create unfair and
avoidable differences in health
outcomes.
XII. GLOSSARY OF TERMS
32 THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030
Healthy Teeth Healthy
Communities (HTHC)
Alameda County’s Local Dental
Pilot Project (LDPP), 2017-2020,
was designed to help families
overcome barriers to accessing
dental care for their Medi-Cal
eligible 0-20-year-old children.
This included providing oral health
education, assistance in finding
a dentist, scheduling dental
appointments, and assistance
in Medi-Cal health benefits
enrollment.
Indicator
Variable that helps to measure
changes in a health situation
directly or indirectly and to assess
the extent to which the objectives
and targets of a program are being
attained.
Kindergarten Oral Health
Assessment (KOHA)
A requirement that was passed
into law in 2005 by Assembly
Bill 1433 (AB 1433) under the
Education Code Section 49452.8.
In 2025, Assembly Bill 2630
specifies “kindergarten” to include
both transitional kindergarten
(TK) and kindergarten, requiring
children enrolled in public school
for their first year in transitional
kindergarten (TK), kindergarten, or
first grade to have an oral health
screening completed by a licensed
dental professional. The goal is
to help schools identify children
suffering from untreated dental
disease and help parents establish
a dental home for their children.
Local Dental Pilot Project (LDPP)
Domain four of California’s Dental
Transformation Initiative funded
15 LDPPs to increase access to
preventive dental services for
Medi-Cal eligible children. Healthy
Teeth Healthy Communities
program was the Alameda
County’s LDPP.
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid
health care program. This program
pays for a variety of medical
services for children and adults
with limited income and resources.
Medi-Cal is supported by federal
and state taxes.
Medi-Cal Dental Program
This is part of California’s Medicaid
program. It provides dental
coverage at little or no cost to
eligible children and adults. The
program is managed by the
California Department of Health
Care Services (DHCS).
Oral Health
Oral health is the state of the
mouth, teeth, gums, and orofacial
structures that allow individuals
to eat, speak, smile, and socialize
without pain, discomfort, or
disease. It encompasses not only
the absence of oral diseases
(like cavities and gum disease)
but also the ability to perform
essential functions and maintain
psychosocial well-being and self-
confidence.
Perinatal
The time frame encompasses the
beginning of pregnancy through
the first year of the newborn’s life
(postpartum).
Preventive Dental Services
A dental service that is focused on
preventing oral health problems,
such as cleaning, sealants, and
fluoride varnish treatments.
Surveillance
The ongoing systematic collection,
analysis and interpretation of
data for use in planning and
implementing public health
practices.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats (SWOT)
analysis is used to assess the
organization’s internal factors
(strengths and weaknesses) and
external factors (opportunities and
threats) to guide decision-making
and strategy development.
Tooth Decay
Commonly known as caries or
cavities. The breakdown of teeth
structure due to acids produced
by bacteria.
THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030 33
XIII. REFERENCES
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Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/php/2024-oral-health-surveillance-report/selected-findings.html
2 American Dental Association. “Oral-Systemic Health.” Available at: https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/
oral-health-topics/oral-systemic-health
3 California Department of Public Health. “California Oral Health Plan 2018–2028.” Available at: https://www.
cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DCDIC/CDCB/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Oral%20Health%20Program/
FINAL%20REDESIGNED%20COHP-Oral-Health-Plan-ADA.pdf
4 Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. “Oral Conditions–Healthy People 2030.” Available at:
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sealant-delivery-programs.html
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Available at: https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/prevention-of-dental-caries-
in-children-younger-than-age-5-years-screening-and-interventions1
7 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. “Tobacco Use in Adults and Pregnant Women: Counseling and
Interventions.” Available at https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/tobacco-use-
in-adults-and-pregnant-women-counseling-and-interventions#fullrecommendationstart
8 ASTDD Best Practice Approach Reports: https://www.astdd.org/best-practices/
9 American Dental Association. (n.d.) Evidence-Based Dentistry (EBD): https://www.ada.org/resources/research/
science/evidence-based-dental-research
10 Guide to Community Preventive Services. “Oral Health: School Fluoride Varnish Delivery Programs.” The
Community Guide, Community Preventive Services Task Force, June 2024. Retrieved from https://www.
thecommunityguide.org/findings/oral-health-school-fluoride-varnish-delivery-programs.html
11 The Community Preventive Service Task Force (CPSTF). Oral Health: Preventing Dental Caries, School-Based
Dental Sealant Delivery Programs. The Community Guide [www.thecommunityguide.org]. The Community
Preventive Service Task Force, Atlanta, Georgia, 2013. https://doi.org/10.15620/cdc/164191
12 Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) (2013). Oral Health: Preventing Dental Caries, Community
Water Fluoridation. https://doi.org/10.15620/cdc/164189
13 Ran, T., Chattopadhyay, S. K., & Community Preventive Services Task Force. (2016). Economic evaluation of
community water fluoridation: a community guide systematic review. American journal of preventive medicine,
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14 O’Connell, J., Rockell, J., Ouellet, J., Tomar, S. L., & Maas, W. (2016). Costs and savings associated with
community water fluoridation in the United States. Health Affairs, 35(12), 2224–2232.
34 THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIC PLAN 2025–2030
15 Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors. “Integrating Oral Health Care into Primary Care.” National
Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center, February 12, 2024. Available at: https://www.astdd.org/docs/
integrating-oral-health-care-into-primary-care.pdf
16 Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors. “Best Practice Approach: State and Territorial Oral Health
Programs and Collaborative Partnerships.” March 2020. Available at: https://www.astdd.org/bestpractices/stohp-
partnerships.pdf
17 American Dental Association. “Community Dental Health Coordinator.” Available at: https://www.ada.org/
resources/community-initiatives/action-for-dental-health/community-dental-health-coordinator
18 Hoeft, K. S., Fantaye, Y., Chaffee, B. W., Khan, S., Maker, E., Andrews, T., ... & Fine, J. (2024). Community of
Practice for Dental Providers Serving Children on Medi-Cal Dental: Needs and Progress in Alameda County.
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19 Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors. (2023). State oral health improvement planning and
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20 U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). Alameda County, California profile. U.S. Department of Commerce. Retrieved
September 25, 2025, from https://data.census.gov/profile/Alameda_County,_California?g=050XX00US06001
21 California Department of Health Care Services. (n.d.). California Health and Human Services Agency Open
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chhs.ca.gov
22 Ibid.
23 California Department of Public Health. (2018). California Oral Health Plan: 2018–2028. https://www.cdph.
ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DCDIC/CDCB/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Oral%20Health%20Program/
FINAL%20REDESIGNED%20COHP-Oral-Health-Plan-ADA.pdf
24 California Department of Public Health. (n.d.). MIHA Data and Reports. Maternal and Infant Health Assessment
(MIHA) Program. Retrieved September 25, 2025, from https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DMCAH/MIHA/
Pages/Data-and-Reports.aspx
25 California Department of Health Care Access and Information. (n.d.). Emergency Department Encounters.
Retrieved September 25, 2025, from https://hcai.ca.gov/data/healthcare-utilization/emergency-department/
26 System for California Oral Health Reporting (SCOHR). (n.d.). Overview. Retrieved September 25, 2025, from
https://www.ab1433.org/home/overview
27 UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. (n.d.). California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) AskCHIS. Retrieved
September 25, 2025, from https://ask.chis.ucla.edu
28 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). PLACES: Local Data for Better Health. Retrieved
September 23, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/places/
29 University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. (2025). County Health Rankings & Roadmaps: Alameda
County, California. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Retrieved September 25, 2025, from https://www.
countyhealthrankings.org/health-data/california/alameda?year=2025
30 UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. (n.d.). California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) AskCHIS. Retrieved
September 25, 2025, from https://ask.chis.ucla.edu
THE OFFICE OF DENTAL HEALTH
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(510) 208-5900
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