With the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Con Alma Health Foundation (CAHF) partnered with four statewide and community based nonprofit organizations to explore the feasibility and public will to increase the dental workforce and possibly develop a mid-level oral health practitioner model in New Mexico. CAHF is grateful to you for working to improve oral health in New Mexico. Read the full report .
The year-long initiative had the following key findings:
1. Needs Assessment – New Mexico has a severe shortage of dental providers and significant oral health needs, particularly in its rural, geographically remote Hispanic/Latino and Native American communities.
2. Public Will – There is clear and favorable public will to act now on addressing the oral health gap and solve access and workforce problems.
3. There is uniform interest in New Mexico for a mid-level oral health practitioner model among health care consumers, especially in rural and low-income communities.
4. Rural communities are eager for economic development that can increase access and dental services and the economic opportunity and career path opportunities for their citizens.
CAHF is grateful to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for its support and partnership, with special thanks to Dr. Al Yee. In addition, the Foundation would like to thank the four partner organization in this initiative.
1. Health Action New Mexico
2. New Mexico Health Resources
3. New Mexico Primary Care Association
4. New Mexico Voices for Children
CAHF is also grateful to members of the New Mexico Oral Health Initiative Team, who shepherded this year-long process, particularly Jerry Harrison, Lynn Pitcher Komer, Charlotte Roybal, and Benny Shendo.We are hopeful that New Mexico communities can come together to continue the conversation about oral health disparities and search for solutions.
Sincerely,
Dolores E. Roybal
Executive Director
*In an effort to report to our community and to reduce the Foundation’s environmental impact, this Key Findings Report is primarily being presented in an electronic interactive format. If you would like to receive a printed hard copy version, please contact 505.438.0776 x2 or via email to .
For more information about this Oral Health Initiative, please contact Dolores E. Roybal at .
