Strategies

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

Promote child bicycle helmet use via bicycle safety education, media campaigns, or provision of free or subsidized helmets

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

Establish high deductible health plans paired with pre-tax medical expense accounts such as Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and information tools

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

Use helmets to absorb, dissipate, and reduce impact forces to an athlete’s head and brain during collisions or falls

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

Use payments, vouchers, and other incentives to encourage patients to undergo preventive care such as screenings, vaccinations, etc.

Support joint decision making between health care practitioners and patients through shared decision making (SDM); part of patient-centered care