Word-of-Mouth: Oral Health Education Connection

Word-of-Mouth: Oral Health Education Connection is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in partnership with area health centers and clinics and over 25 volunteers. We coordinate dental education and care for 11,000 men, women and children in Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area and Southwest Iowa each year. And we help Southwest Iowa care for its underserved, saving the community, health systems, employers and insurers millions of dollars and just as importantly raises the quality of life of families, saving lives and saving families.

If you're intersested in volunteering, please review our requirements and register here.

The Problem

The first-ever Surgeon General's report on oral health identifies a "silent epidemic” of dental and oral diseases that burdens some population groups and calls for a national effort to improve oral health among all Americans.

The report also focuses on the relationship between oral health and overall good health throughout life; the mouth as a "mirror for general health and well-being and the association between oral heath problems and other health problems.”

"During the last 50 years, there have been dramatic improvements in oral health, and most middle-aged and younger Americans expect to retain their natural teeth over their lifetimes," Surgeon General David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D. said. "However, this report illustrates profound disparities that affect those without the knowledge or resources to achieve good oral care. Those who suffer the worst oral health include poor Americans, especially children and the elderly. Members of racial and ethnic groups also experience a disproportionate level of oral health problems. And, those with disabilities and complex health conditions are at greater risk for oral diseases that, in turn, further complicate their health."

Good oral health and general health are inseparable. Oral health means more than sound teeth. Oral health is integral to overall health. Furthermore, safe and effective disease prevention measures exist that everyone can adopt to improve oral health and prevent disease.

To ignore oral health problems can lead to needless pain and suffering, complications that can devastate well-being, and financial and social costs that significantly diminish quality of life and burden American society.

If you're intersested in volunteering, please review our requirements and register here.