To initiate assessment and program planning processes and see them through to implementation and evaluation, the involvement and support of an array of public- and private-sector stakeholders is essential.

A. Getting Started

Developing and maintaining a community oral health coalition (a group of individuals or representatives of organizations working to influence outcomes related to oral health) focused on improving oral health services in the community can help mobilize support. Coalitions are useful for accomplishing a broad range of goals. In some cases, a coalition may already be in place whose agenda can be modified to include improved oral health in the community. For example, there may be a community coalition or organization focused on improving access to health care, decreasing the incidence of chronic disease, or expanding the availability of services. Adding oral health to an existing, complementary agenda and organizing a subcommittee within the coalition to focus on oral health can not only broaden the constituency base for oral health but also widen the audience for policy and program discussions that can lead to new alliances, opportunities, and critical support from outside the coalition.

This community oral health coalition can play an important role in each of the subsequent steps described in the Guide—from assessing needs and resources to implementing programs, formulating policy, and conducting research.