We know the importance of data in informing decisions—and transforming it into actionable knowledge that can be used by advocates, policy makers and providers to improve the oral health system. We’ve curated a few sources of data here in this Studies & Reports area that can be useful in making the case for equitable, accessible, and affordable care for all.
An Oral Health Equity Agenda for the Biden Administration (Health Affairs Blog)
COVID-19 has demonstrated the need to address weaknesses in our nation’s health care system, as well as underlying structures that perpetuate inequities in health. Oral health is a critical, but frequently forgotten, part of this equation. Despite bipartisan recognition of America’s oral health crisis, policy makers repeatedly fail to address oral health as a core component of our health care system or to adopt a comprehensive oral health policy agenda centered on equity. The Biden-Harris administration is now uniquely positioned to make significant progress toward America’s oral health priorities while simultaneously addressing our country’s structural barriers and health disparities.
Oral Health Data (CDC)
The Oral Health Data website contains data for select indicators from the National Oral Health Surveillance System (NOHSS). Data sources include: Water Fluoridation Reporting System (WFRS), Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), State Oral Health Surveys, Indian Health Service (IHS) Oral Health Surveys and ASTDD’s Annual Synopsis of State Oral Health Programs. Data are added as new data become available.
Healthy People 2030 (HHS)
Healthy People identifies public health priorities to help individuals, organizations, and communities across the United States improve health and well-being. Healthy People 2030, the initiative’s fifth iteration, builds on knowledge gained over the first 4 decades.
Oral Health Workforce Research Center
Lists national data sources with information about oral health indicators, the oral health status of various populations, and/or the oral health workforce. Revisit this page periodically, as new data sources will be continuously added.
Area Health Resources Files (HRSA)
The Area Health Resources Files (AHRF) include data on Health Care Professions, Health Facilities, Population Characteristics, Economics, Health Professions Training, Hospital Utilization, Hospital Expenditures, and Environment at the county, state and national levels, from over 50 data sources.
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (CDC)
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) is a program of studies designed to assess the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the United States. The survey is unique in that it combines interviews and physical examinations. NHANES is a major program of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). NCHS is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and has the responsibility for producing vital and health statistics for the Nation.
Water Fluoridation Reporting System (CDC)
The Water Fluoridation Reporting System (WFRS) is an online tool that helps states manage the quality of their water fluoridation programs. WFRS information is also the basis for national surveillance reports that describe the percentage of the U.S. population on community water systems who receive optimally fluoridated drinking water. The system was developed by CDC in partnership with the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD).
National Survey of Children’s Health (U.S. Census)
The National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) is sponsored by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration, an Agency in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
