title: Public policy and legislation for oral health: a convergence of opportunities.
abstract: The first surgeon general's report regarding oral health, Oral Health in America, called for a national effort to improve oral health among Americans and raised awareness of the importance of oral health; however, many Americans continue to experience poor oral health and are unable to access oral health care. Renewed national interest in oral health and access to oral health care through recent public policy documents and legislation presents a convergence of opportunities for the dental hygiene profession to continue to serve as a strong voice for the prevention of oral disease and the promotion of oral health for all segments of the population.
authors.forename: Mary C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: George
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003254:Consumer Advocacy; D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003756:Dental Hygienists / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006293:Health Promotion; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D040361:Healthy People Programs; D006801:Humans; D007348:Insurance, Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D009909:Oral Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D058991:Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014076:Tooth Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D014481:United States
keywords: access to care; legislation; oral health disparities; public policy