Strategies

Expand the role of allied dental professionals (e.g., hygienists, therapists, etc.) via changes to statute, dentist supervision requirements, etc.

Provide information about contraception and protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in classroom or community settings

Provide condoms free of charge or at a reduced cost in community and school-based settings

Provide outreach and support to assist those whose employers do not offer affordable coverage, who are self-employed, or who are unemployed

Increase patients’ health-related knowledge via efforts to simplify health education materials, improve patient-provider communication, and increase overall literacy

Coordinate efforts to reduce risky sexual behavior among adolescents with work, vocational training, or sports

Use traditional and digital media to disseminate information about safe sex

Regulate mental health insurance to increase access to mental health services, including treatment for substance use disorders

Support initiatives that combine multiple components such as education, skills building, and contraceptive promotion to reduce pregnancy among youth

Provide sealants, fluoride treatment, screening, and other preventive dental care on school grounds via partnerships with dental professionals