Updates from the Health Department’s Office of Oral Health

8/20/2026

At the Health Department, we’re committed to health equity. Our vision is a Vermont where everyone has the chance to enjoy good health, and that includes good oral health. The Office of Oral Health helps make this vision a reality by supporting community water fluoridation, school dental programs, and oral health surveillance. We’re also working to improve access to care, grow and support the dental workforce, connect medical and dental care, and strengthen systems that support oral health across the state. Here are some updates from the Office of Oral Health:

Free Oral Health Coaching for Families in WIC, Head Start, or Medicaid

The Vermont Office of Oral Health has partnered with the My Smile Buddy program to offer free, remote oral health coaching for families with young children enrolled in WIC, Head Start, or Medicaid. The program aims to reduce early childhood caries and complements oral health education provided during medical and dental visits. Families receive three virtual coaching sessions (more if needed), a grocery store gift card, and dental supplies for the whole household. Coaches use motivational interviewing and behavioral science to help families set and reach practical goals. Please refer families who may benefit, especially those who have received or are scheduled to receive treatment for early childhood caries. To order flyers for your office click here.

VT Oral Health Network Survey

The Vermont Oral Health Network (VOHN) brings together partners from across the state to advance oral health equity. Coordinated by the Vermont Department of Health’s Office of Oral Health, VOHN includes dental professional organizations, dental education and training programs, insurance companies, Agency of Human Services partners, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and individual advocates and practitioners. We may come from different perspectives, but we share a commitment to improving oral health for all Vermonters.

Right now, VOHN is evaluating when and how often we meet, the emerging and critical topics that need to be discussed and disseminated, and how members use and value the State Oral Health Plan. Your input will help us strengthen collaboration and set clear priorities for the year ahead. If you’re already a VOHN member and haven’t taken the survey, please take 6 minutes to share your feedback here: Click here. If you’d like to join the network, please contact me to get involved.

Infection Prevention and Control Resources

The VDH Healthcare Acquired Infection (HAI) team recently updated its infection prevention and control (IPC) for health professional’s website, which includes a section on IPC in Dental Practices. This section provides dental practices with a convenient, centralized location for current IPC and antibiotic stewardship resources. It brings together practical infection prevention resources such as CDC guidance and checklists, dental infection prevention training opportunities, and resources on dental unit waterline management. It also features tools and materials focused on dental antibiotic stewardship, including a toolkit, policy template, presentations, posters, prophylaxis resources, guidelines, and a dental antibiogram. Click here for more information.

Health equity can only be achieved when public health, private practice, and our communities work together. Thank you for your continued partnership in advancing oral health for all Vermonters.

Robin Miller, RDH, MPH
Oral Health Director, Vermont Department of Health
Robin.n.miller@vermont.gov