Florida

Oral Health in Maryland

Florida Oral Health ConferenceThe Nuts and Bolts of Coalitions

August 23, 2012Penny Anderson, M.S.W.Executive Director

Maryland Dental Action Coalition: Our History

Initially established as Dental Action Committee (DAC) by Marylands Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene in 2007A state response to the death of 12-year-old Deamonte Driver Developed recommendations to improve the oral health of children in Maryland

Maryland Dental Action Coalition: Our Development Transitioned into a state coalition in late 2009Now called the Maryland Dental Action Coalition (MDAC)Broad based group committed to improving oral health of all MarylandersMaryland Office of Oral Health funded transition through a CDC State Oral Health Infrastructure grant

Maryland Dental Action Coalition: Our DevelopmentTransitioned into a state coalition in late 2009Now called the Maryland Dental Action Coalition (MDAC)Broad based independent group of organizations and individuals committed to improving the oral health of all Marylanders (talk about diversity of members and nontraditional partners) Members represent academia, advocacy, dentistry, government, medicine, public health, social services, students, and others mediaMaryland Office of Oral Health funded transition through a CDC State Oral Health Infrastructure grant3Maryland Dental Action Coalition: Our SupportOperational support through a grant from the DentaQuest FoundationInfrastructure support from the Maryland State Dental Association

Maryland Dental Action Coalition: Our SupportOperational support through a grant from the DentaQuest FoundationInfrastructure support from the Maryland State Dental Association

4The Development of Coalitions

Intentional (Proactive)Issue or programResearch/new thinking LearnExpand/broadenReplicateCircumstantial (Reactive)Facilitating event

Purpose of CoalitionsPromote a common goal or purpose! Increase awareness and knowledgeAddress specific problems or issuesInfluence policy and program developmentCreate synergy

Key FunctionsTackle oral health needs of residentsPlan and prioritizeCommunicateEducateAdvocateEncourage networkingExperimentProvide oversight

Key FunctionsPlan and prioritize (DAC recommendations, MOHP, public policy tool, MDAC strategic plan)Advocate (public policy agenda - single, unified voice for those in need)Communicate (among and between and with Marylanders)Educate (ourselves and others)ExperimentNetworkEnsure DAC recommendations are implemented and monitor outcomesTackle issues concerning residents from all walks of life to:increase access to oral health careprevent oral disease and injuryincrease oral health literacy in Maryland

7MDAC MissionTo develop and maintain a statewide partnership of individuals committed to improved health among all Marylanders through increased oral health prevention, education, advocacy and access to dental care.State vs. Local CoalitionsBoth are ImportantState CoalitionsObtain and synthesize local level information and inputEstablish statewide agendaProvide strong, unified voice for oral healthDevelop/coordinate statewide activities and messagesGather, analyze, and disseminate national and state level data and informationFacilitate networking and partnership development

Local CoalitionsGather and share local data/informationDevelop local relationships Implement action at the local levelTest or pilot local projects/ideas/activitiesProvide input/feedback to statewide effortsProvide representation to state organization

State vs. Local CoalitionsBoth are Important

Bringing People to the TableMotivating FactorsCrisis or negative eventCommon vision and goalStrong leadershipPersonal relationships Peer involvementPersonal and professional agendas left at the doorDesire to be part of something successful

What Motivated/s People to Participate? Brought People to the Table?Strong leadership (Colmers, OOH, legislators state and federal, funders) Personal askCommon goal/vision to maximize the oral health of all Marylanders (initially just kids, now all; to make a difference)Agreement to leave personal agendas at the door (use our 3 MOHP goals as filter)Peer involvementWant to be part of something successful

11Organizational Issues to ConsiderScope MembershipStructureGovernanceMotivational factorsLevels of involvementRecruitment strategiesDecision-makingCommunicationSupportAssessmentSustainabilityPresenceGrounded in purpose; goals; common ground

Expectations of a CoalitionStay focused on missionBe inclusive within the boundaries of the coalitions stated purpose and goalsAppreciate the motivations, values, abilities of each memberMaintain openness and transparency Prioritize workCommunicate regularlyEvaluate frequentlyRespect members time

Expectations of Coalition MembersPromote mission Mind collective interestsSet aside individual agendasBe inclusiveAccept differencesBe respectfulArrive prepared Participate constructivelySupport the organization

Opportunities/SuccessesMake a differenceBroaden the reachRaise awarenessLearn and growAddress issues together Test new ideas and approaches

AdvocateEducateUse data effectively

ChallengesCommunicating effectivelyStaying attuned to members Finding roles for all membersManaging individual agendasHearing everyoneGaining consensus Staying true to missionUsing data effectivelyPlanning for sustainability

Strengthening CoalitionsStay focused on missionCommunicate Ask for helpBring in new voicesFind your champions Tap into available expertise and resourcesKeep members involvedKnow your limitations

Act on feedback and suggestionsListenEmbrace learning and growthCommunicateRecognize contributionsCelebrate successesIn a Nutshell, MDAC IsA voice for oral health in Maryland and the NationA convener of partnersA vehicle for collaboration and learningA conduit of informationA leader in the national debate on oral healthA diverse group committed to promoting and guiding the work to maximize the oral health of all Marylanders

In a Nutshell, MDAC IsA voice for oral health in Maryland and the NationA convener of partnersA vehicle for collaboration and learningA conduit of informationA leader in the national debate on oral healthA diverse group committed to promoting the guiding the work to maximize the oral health of all Marylanders18Alone we can do so little;Together we can do so much. Helen Keller