Graphic of the week

Oral Health Ohio, a coalition of statewide partners who educate and advocate to improve the state’s oral and overall health, last week released the 2023-2027 State Oral Health Plan, a roadmap for Ohio to elevate oral health to the same priority as overall health.

Oral Health Ohio contracted with the Health Policy Institute of Ohio to facilitate and create the 2023-2027 State Plan, which is designed to guide actions taken by policymakers, advocates, educators, providers and funders. The vision of the state plan is that all Ohioans will have optimal oral health during every stage of their life.

The plan highlights a number of obstacles to good oral health, including community conditions such as poverty, food security, toxic stress and discrimination, as well as health behaviors and access to care and affordability. Ohioans of color and Ohioans with low incomes experience worse dental care and oral health outcomes when compared to Ohioans overall. The graphic above provides examples of these disparities.