March 2022 Newsletter
Virginia Legislative Session Update: Awaiting Final Budget
Session officially ended March 12, but the House and Senate have not yet agreed on a final budget. Members of the Senate have included a 30% increase in dental reimbursement rates for Medicaid providers in their budget, while the budget from the House had a 5% increase. Catalyst will provide updates as soon as the final budget is released. See our Legislative Tracker to learn about all the policies that we’re watching.
Success in Schools: Bringing Dental Care to Students
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in childhood. Dental sealants are easy, pain-free, and effective at preventing cavities – but according to the 2016 Virginia Oral Health Report Card, only 52% of third-graders in Virginia had sealants on their permanent teeth. We know that school-based oral health programs (SBOHPs) are effective ways to deliver oral health education and dental care, like sealants, to students where they are
– in schools.

Catalyst is leading a funded learning collaborative to improve access to sealants and preventive dental care through more SBOHPs in Title I schools across the commonwealth. Participating dental clinics receive one-on-one technical assistance, connections to school nurse staff, and trainings for successful implementation. See SBOHP successes from this school year below.

Learn how your clinic can start a SBOHP in your area and apply today!
The dental team with Bland Ministry Center in Bland, VA, provide cleanings and sealants to children at Scott Memorial Middle School in the school gym. One middle school student had never received a teeth cleaning before!
Dental staff from the Community Health Center of the New River Valley provide oral health education and dental care at the Giles County Elementary School. The School Health Coordinator joined the fun by wearing a Tooth Fairy costume!
Rural Health Priorities and Strategies in the Virginia Rural Health Plan 2022-2026
Rural communities face unique health challenges, needs, and strengths. The Virginia State Office of Rural Health (SOHR) developed the Virginia Rural Health Plan 2022-2026 to describe the health challenges that disproportionally affect people in rural communities, and opportunities to eliminate these health disparities. It outlines seven health priority areas that SORH will study over time to understand their impact on the health and well-being of Virginia’s rural communities. Some of the promising practices include school-based health centers as a strategy to improve educational attainment, and well water testing programs to help ensure safe housing and water systems. 

Over 1 million Virginians live in rural areas; Read the full report to understand how your programs or policies can impact these health priorities and strengthen communities across the commonwealth. 
Data Bytes: The Virginia Rural Health Data Commons

The Virginia Rural Health Data Commons allows anyone to explore local data related to the seven health priority areas outlined in the Rural Health Plan, like access to health care services and healthy moms and babies. Anyone can use the Data Commons to monitor trends in data that provide a comprehensive picture of the overall health and well-being of Virginia’s rural communities. In one click, compare the percentage of households with broadband access by county or the change in the rate of preventable hospitalizations over time.

Use these data for grant proposals, academic research, or in your advocacy efforts. Need help using this resource or have other data questions? Contact Sherrina Gibson for support.
Diverse Dental Society
Three national associations, the Hispanic Dental Association, the National Dental Association, and the Society of American Indian Dentists, are collaborating to form the Diverse Dental Society (DDS). Members of these associations are automatically part of DDS. This national collaboration of minority oral health professionals has a mission to ensure the oral health system works for everyone. DDS uses education, service, and advocacy to amplify diversity and inclusion in the oral health arena to address the needs of and eliminate disparities in under-resourced communities. Read an interview with the newly appointed president, LaVette C. Henderson, CMP, HMCC, FACD.
NEW DATE: Catalyst Annual Summit is October 7

The 2022 Summit will be held on Friday, October 7. It will still be in person at the Westin in Richmond. Look for more information soon about the Summit. We can’t wait to see you there! 
Interested in being a Summit sponsor? Reach out to Alle Witt for more information.