Most of us take oral health for granted, but for thousands of individuals and families in Texas, lack of access to appropriate, quality oral health care has enormous, and sometimes tragic consequences. Children in pain caused by tooth decay cannot eat properly, cannot learn properly, and will not develop properly. Adults with missing, diseased, or damaged teeth often find it difficult to secure employment and be self-sufficient. They not only have physical pain, but also may suffer the emotional pain of self-consciousness, embarrassment, low self-esteem, and depression.

The Texas Oral Health Coalition is the primary organization in Texas working across the state to encourage collaboration to foster whole person health, eliminate oral disparities and address health inequalities for all Texans. We create partnerships both statewide and at the local level to identify and implement innovative and effective approaches to improving oral health.

TxOHC’s core work centers on education, communication, and advocacy to create systems change, increase access to care, and support health equity. Recently, our advocacy efforts led to teledentistry passing and the addition of a preventive Medicaid adult dental benefit for specific individuals with disabilities this past legislative session. 

We’re pleased to support local oral health coalitions in Austin, Coastal Bend, Houston, North Central Texas, and San Antonio and are looking to expand elsewhere in the state in 2023. The purpose of our regional coalitions is to improve the oral health of communities and promote partnerships for sustainable, equity-informed, community-driven advocacy. 

Your contribution is essential to our continued efforts and will make a real difference in the lives of thousands of your neighbors. Please share in our vision to make optimal health a reality for all Texans by donating today.