Supporting Oral Health to Improve Overall Health in Underserved Communities

The health of your mouth, teeth and gums plays a role not only in good oral health, but in good overall health.

Regular brushing and flossing keeps oral bacteria under control, protecting you from oral infections that can play a contributing factor in diseases including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pregnancy and birth complications, HIV/AIDS, osteoporosis and more.

To increase access to adequate, accessible and affordable oral health care, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), is partnering with the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan of Maryland to provide six, $50,000 grants to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) throughout Maryland to increase community-based, patient-directed dental health care, including:

• CCI Health & Wellness Services (Prince George’s County, Maryland)
• Chesapeake Health Care (Eastern Shore Maryland)
• Greater Baden Medical Services (Southern Maryland)
• Mountain Laurel Medical Center (Western Maryland)
• Park West Health System (Baltimore City, Maryland)
• Total Health Care (Baltimore City, Maryland)

The $300,000 in funding will support additional staff, preventative and routine oral treatments, including sealants, fluoride and more, patient engagement and community outreach, and a spectrum of dental services for under- and uninsured clients.

Oral health disparities and inequities continue to be prevalent among low-income, historically underserved racial and ethnic groups, those living in impoverished areas and those with developmental disabilities, including functionally dependent adults.

Mike Rapach, President & CEO of CareFirst Community Health Plan Maryland

Visit CareFirst’s community website for more information about our commitment to community health and social impact.