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Mission

The OKPDA is committed to advancing community-driven solutions that expand access to quality, affordable oral health care for all Oklahomans. We work collaboratively across sectors to address disparities, promote prevention, support workforce development, and strengthen systems that ensure every individual regardless of geography, income, or background can achieve optimal oral health.

Vision

We envision an Oklahoma where oral health is a right, not a privilege, and every community has the resources they need to thrive.

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Oklahoma Deserves Better

Oklahoma Oral Health

When compared to the nation’s performance on 13 key oral health indicators, Oklahoma scores a D. Read more here.

Oklahoma's oral health statistics reflect a population with high rates of childhood tooth decay, adult tooth loss, and absence of regular oral health appointments primarily due to cost. Root causes include financial and physical barriers and widespread oral health care professional shortages.  More on this here.

Oklahoma Workforce

Oklahoma does not have the number of oral health providers needed to support its population, with 48.5 dental care providers per 100,000 people compared to 61.0 nationally.  Nearly 1 in 4 Oklahomans live in counties considered dental health professional shortage areas, hindering access to care, and the state has a failing grade in oral health.

Oral Health is Health

Workforce Solutions

Upstream Approaches

Pathway programs can be an effective way to grow oral healthcare providers who will work with rural and diverse communities.
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Tell Us Your Story!

Have you experienced challenges receiving or affording dental care, becoming a dental professional, or would you like to share how dental care has impacted your life? 

 

Tell us here

Join OKPDA for a healthier Oklahoma