title: Core public health functions and state efforts to improve oral health--United States, 1993.
abstract: Since the 1988 Institute of Medicine report on the future of public health (1), state health agencies (SHAs) have focused on the role of the core functions of public health (i.e., assessment, policy development and assurance) in improving health in the United States. Oral diseases and conditions are among the most prevalent and preventable chronic health problems in the United States (2). Through use of the core functions as a guideline to identify basic public health practices integral to oral health, SHAs can improve oral health in the United States. To assess the level of involvement among SHAs with core public health functions related to oral health, in January 1994 the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) conducted a survey of SHAs in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. This report summarizes the survey findings.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009909:Oral Health / Q000592:standards; D011634:Public Health / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011635:Public Health Administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013219:State Government; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology