Relevant Reports

Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General
In 2000, the Surgeon General of the U.S. published the first surgeon general’s report on the history of oral health in America. This seminal report is widely cited for its contributions to increased understanding of the links between oral and system health.


National Call to Action to Promote Oral Health
In 2003, the Surgeon General of the U.S. issued a call to action for all oral health stakeholders to improve oral health among the U.S. population.


The U.S. Oral Health Workforce in the Coming Decade: Workshop Summary
In 2009, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies published a summary of a workshop addressing the oral health workforce in the U.S. for the coming decade. The summary discusses the adequacy of the workforce and variability in access related to geography, population characteristics, and design of the oral health services delivery system.


Advancing Oral Health in America
In 2011, the IOM released a report that assesses the current oral health care system and recommends strategic actions to improve oral health in America.


Improving Access to Oral Health Care for Vulnerable and Underserved Populations
In 2011, the IOM released a report that assesses the oral health care delivery system in the U.S. and discusses possible strategies to improve oral health care for underserved populations.


The Professional Practice Environment of Dental Hygienists in the Fifty States and the District of Columbia, 2001
In 2004, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), National Center for Health Workforce Analysis, published a study describing the scope of practice for dental hygienists by state using a numerical index to quantify practice environments.


Financing Dental Education: Public Policy Interests, Issues and Strategic Considerations
In 2005, HRSA published a report describing the financing of dental education, including the public policy aspects of dental education and impacts on access to care.


Considerations for Oral Health Integrations in Primary Care Practice for Children
In 2012, HRSA published a report describing the importance of a dental home for children and also the value of performing risk assessment, anticipatory guidance, and fluoride varnish applications in the offices of pediatric primary care providers.


Integration of Oral Health and Primary Care Practice
In 2014, HRSA published a report on oral health core clinical competencies for primary care clinicians. The report also discusses implementation strategies for primary care practices and safety net providers.