People Advocating for Optimal Health (PAOH) got its start in 2022 under the name “Project Accessible Oral Health.” We’ve changed our name to reflect our commitment to work for positive change in all fields of disability health and wellness, but oral health remains a major project for our organization.
The former Surgeon General of the United States once said:
And yet, of all the medically underserved populations, people with disabilities have been the most marginalized when it comes to oral healthcare. In fact, adequate oral care is the top unmet healthcare need for people with disabilities.
Poor oral health is connected to a number of systemic health issues including heart disease, diabetes, brain diseases, gut health and—especially for people with intellectual differences—behavioral issues.
Project Accessible Oral Health has the mission of improving access to oral health care for people like Terrance, whose life was turned upside down when his childhood dentist retired.
You can help! Visit our Resources page for materials to share and spread awareness about this critical issue. Dental professionals can also find tools to increase access to dental services in their practice.
