The Central Massachusetts Oral Health Initiative (CMOHI): a successful public–private community health collaboration

Objectives: The Central Massachusetts Oral Health Initiative (CMOHI) aimed to improve access to quality oral health care in central Massachusetts. Methods: A broad‐based public and private organization partnership with local and national funding created a steering committee to organize school administrators, community leaders, and a medical school to collaborate on five goals: advocate for changes in oral health policy, increase oral health care access, provide school‐based dental services for underserved children, establish a Dental General Practice Residency, and educate medical professionals about oral health. Results: A state legislative Oral Health Caucus helped secure sought‐after policy improvements; more regional dentists now accept Medicaid; community health center capacity to provide dental services was expanded; school‐based programs were designed and delivered needed dental services; a dental residency was created; and methods of educating medical professionals were established. Conclusions: Significant sustainable gains in oral health care access were created through our multifaceted approach, ongoing evaluation and communication, coordination of CMOHI partner resources, and collaboration with other involved parties.