ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) today announced nearly $2.3 million in awards to 12 organizations to increase access to oral health care and to assure the delivery of quality oral health education and preventive and restorative services to children.

Funded by HRSA's Maternal and Child Health Bureau, the School-Based Comprehensive Oral Health Services Program supports the integration of oral health care into existing school-based health centers that are not grant-supported Federally Qualified Health Centers. These funds will improve access to oral health education and comprehensive services for underserved, high-risk populations, including children and youth enrolled in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program.  

"School-linked health initiatives provide a real opportunity to meet children where they are – at school," said HRSA Administrator Mary Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N.  "These grants will help kids stay healthy so they can learn in class, free from painful dental problems."

Early tooth loss caused by dental decay, the most common childhood disease, can result in impaired speech and development, inability to concentrate, reduced self-esteem, and absence from school.  By operating in partnership with local safety net dental programs, school-based health centers can contribute to lasting health improvements, linking children and their families to a resource for ongoing, comprehensive oral health care.

A list of awards follows.

The Health Resources and Services Administration is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  HRSA is the primary Federal agency responsible for improving access to health care services for people who are uninsured, isolated, or medically vulnerable.  For more information about HRSA and its programs, visit www.hrsa.gov.

SOURCE Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

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