Advancing Oral Health Equity Across Colorado
The Colorado Oral Health Coalition brings together communities, providers, advocates, and organizations to build a future where everyone has access to optimal oral health.
Who We Are
The Colorado Oral Health Coalition is a diverse group of stakeholders, organizational representatives, and community leaders working together to address oral health inequities across the state. Our members bring expertise and lived experience in oral health, health equity, community engagement, health care, advocacy, and related fields. By fostering collaboration and elevating community voices, we aim to create sustainable solutions that ensure equitable access to oral health care for all Coloradans.
Our Story
A Colorado oral health coalition, known as the Oral Health Colorado, previously existed from 2003 to 2019 and was responsible for many oral health equity achievements including Cavity Free at Three but ultimately dissolved due to a lack of sustainable funding and reduced participation. In 2021, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environments (CDPHE) Oral Health Unit (OHU) began convening partners and stakeholders to develop a state oral health plan. Through many engagement opportunities and planning sessions, the oral health network partners identified several goals and strategies. The resulting Framework to Advance Oral Health Equity in Colorado (Framework), co-developed with communities and stakeholders, identified the need for a coalition. The Framework includes Goal 4: Collective Impact: Coordinate oral health efforts across the state to align strategies, leverage shared resources, and integrate actions of community and private and public sectors in order to improve oral health and address oral health inequities. In July 2022 a Coalition Backbone Transition Workgroup was formed to identify a Colorado Oral Health Coalition Backbone Agency through a competitive application process. Funding was provided through CDPHE and DDCOF. In February 2024, the Public Health Institute at Denver Health (PHIDH) was selected to be the neutral backbone entity. Between July 2024 and June 2025, PHIDH convened a cross-sector network of stakeholders to develop an Action Plan, Business Plan, and Quality Assurance Plan to launch the Colorado Oral Health Coalition.
Mission: Advance equitable oral health outcomes for all Coloradans by utilizing a collective impact approach.
Vision: All Coloradans have equitable access to opportunities for achieving optimal oral health.
Values:
- Accountability
- Community Voice
- Culturally Appropriate Care
- Data
- Lived Experience
- Partnerships
- Transparency
Overview: We work collaboratively to implement statewide strategies that improve oral health systems, educate communities, and influence policy change.
Our Goals:
- Coalition Building: Rebuild and sustain a statewide oral health coalition that is inclusive and responsive to community priorities
- Policy & Advocacy: Monitor and respond to timely or emerging oral health issues at the state and local level
- Education & Awareness: Promote oral health education in high-risk communities, starting with a focus on community water fluoridation
How We Work:
- Cross-sector collaboration
- Equity-centered governance
- Community engagement strategies
- Strategic communication and outreach
- Public policy monitoring and advocacy
Overview: Equity is at the core of everything we do. From decision-making to outreach, we ensure community voices guide our priorities and actions.
What This Looks Like:
- Inclusive coalition governance
- Equity-centered decision-making tool
- Community partnership strategy
- Transparent communication and accountability
- Elevating voices with lived experience, especially those most impacted by oral health inequities
Current Priority Campaign: We are currently focused on increasing public understanding and support for Community Water Fluoridation (CWF), a proven strategy to prevent dental decay and improve population-level oral health.
Get Involved:
- Read our Water Fluoridation Position Statement
Ways to Engage:
- Join the Coalition
- Attend a Meeting
- Partner with Us on Education or Advocacy
- Donate or Provide In-Kind Support
Contact Us
Andrea Pascual
Andrea.Pascual@dhha.org
303-602-4482
