ASTDD’s impact is amplified through a powerful national network of our members and partners who share a commitment to improving oral health and building healthier communities. By bringing together expertise, resources, and on-the-ground experience, these collaborations help translate knowledge and strategy into meaningful action. Our partnerships extend across our membership and include professional organizations, community providers, education leaders, coverage and policy organizations, federal and national partners, and others working to advance oral health.

ASTDD plays a pivotal role in strengthening dental public health and supporting states and territories as they develop, implement, and sustain effective population-based oral health programs, policies, and practices. Examples of our work include:

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Building awareness of the role and value of State and Territorial Oral Health Programs (S/TOHPs), strengthen their capacity, provide technical assistance, and develop competencies to support their work.

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Strengthening the public health oral health workforce through professional development, technical assistance, leadership development, and opportunities for peer learning and collaboration.

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Developing Best Practice Approach Reports, policy statements, white papers, issue briefs, and other evidence-informed guidance and resources on priority oral health topics.

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Connecting professionals across states and territories through conferences, learning opportunities, peer networks, and timely information for public health professionals, policymakers, and partners.

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Developing resources that demonstrate the importance and impact of S/TOHPs and highlight how oral health intersects with other public health programs, systems, and priorities.

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Monitoring and tracking legislative, regulatory, and other policy developments affecting community water fluoridation and providing timely information and resources to members and partners.

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Advancing the oral health of older adults by serving as a national convener, resource, and thought leader.

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Identifying emerging needs and priorities in partnership with ASTDD members and national partners and developing resources, guidance, and strategies to address them

Interested in getting more involved with ASTDD? Tell us a little about yourself, your interests, and how you’d like to contribute. Whether you’re interested in joining a committee, sharing your expertise, connecting with peers, or supporting a specific area of work, we’d love to hear from you.