Strategies

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

Expand broadband availability and adoption in unserved and underserved areas through initiatives that address infrastructure and cost barriers

Adjust and monitor fluoride levels in public water supplies to reach and retain optimal fluoride concentrations

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

Organize workers to bargain collectively for improved wages, benefits, and working conditions

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

Provide employees with child care options at work; care may be provided free of charge, partially subsidized as part of an employee benefit package, or offered at market rates

Provide employees with paid time off for circumstances such as a recent birth or adoption, a parent or spouse with a serious medical condition, or a sick child

Require employers in an affected jurisdiction to provide paid time off for employees to use when ill or injured