G-1911-15739

This investment supports Virginia Health Catalyst to provide statewide leadership and support for advocacy to add comprehensive adult dental benefits to Medicaid in Virginia. The work aligns with The DentaQuest Partnership priorities to promote health equity, engage grassroots partners in systems-change advocacy, and expand access to public adult dental benefits. With more than 900 partners, Virginia Health Catalyst is a statewide coalition comprising community members, medical and dental providers, community health workers, home visitors, and health advocates that provides resources, training events, and tools to integrate oral health into all aspects of care. Through prior work, Virginia Health Catalyst has become an important voice and go-to resource in the state for health equity, community involvement in policy change, and integration of oral health into overall health. Specific work in 2020 with a focus on expanding the adult dental benefit in Medicaid will include: cultivating legislative champions; collecting and sharing qualitative and quantitative data around a comprehensive benefit; public education; and supporting grassroots and faith-based engagement. $121,275 will support staff time, office space, in-state travel, and partnerships.