The state health department received a $1.2 million grant to develop oral health prevention plans and surveillance systems.

Maryland was one of 16 states to receive the five-year grant awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state officials said Thursday.

The money will help the department improve access to dental care for Maryland residents who receive little or no oral health services, said John Colmers, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene secretary.

The funds will be focused on infrastructure development, and can not be used on direct treatment services, officials said.

ith this money, officials at the state Office of Oral Health add several part-time specialists, including an epidemiologist and dental sealant coordinator, to expand data collection and surveillance capabilities.

Officials will also:

• Create a statewide Oral Health Coalition to develop a comprehensive health plan.
• Partner with the Maryland Department of the Environment to establish a community program to enhance water fluoridation efforts.
• Improve access to school-based dental sealant programs.

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