Filling the gap: strategies for improving oral health.

As part of its continuing mission to serve trustees and staff of health foundations and corporate giving programs, Grantmakers In Health (GIH) convened, with the Children's Dental Health Project (CDHP), a select group of grantmakers and national experts who have made a major commitment to improving oral health. This Issue Dialogue - held on May 16,2001, in Washington, DC - explored current challenges related to oral health in the United States, and highlighted public and private sector initiatives to overcome these challenges. The roundtable also illustrated current activities and future opportunities for foundations in the area of oral health. This Issue Brief synthesizes key points from the day's discussion with a background paper previously prepared for Issue Dialogue participants. It includes quantitative and qualitative information on oral health as well as profiles of public sector, private sector, and grantmaker strategies for promoting improvements.