MARYLAND COLLABORATIVE TO IMPROVE CHILDREN'S ORAL HEALTH THROUGH SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMS

Appointed by Senate President: two vacancies

Appointed by House Speaker Heather A. Bagnall; Teresa S. Woorman

Appointed by Secretary of Health: Kathryn E. Battani; Deborah L. Carter; Sarah L. Czyz; Rodney B. Glotfelty; Ann Ahlum Hanson; Traci L. Jones; Tracy S. King; Roberta Miles Loker; Linda Rittleman; Thirovanamalai Sivakumar; Jymil S. Thompson.

Ex officio: Jamie J. Berry, M.D., designee of Secretary of Health; Walter J. Sallee, designee of State Superintendent of Schools; Debony R. Hughes, D.D.S., designee of Deputy Secretary, Public Health Services; Destiny-Simone Ramjohn, Ph.D., Chair, Maryland Community Health Resources Commission.

Staff: Katherine (Katie) Natafgi

Herbert R. O'Conor State Office Building, 201 West Preston St., Baltimore, Maryland, October 2019. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

Final Report to Governor & General Assembly due Oct. 1, 2026 (Chapter 753, Acts of 2025).

In July 2025, the Maryland Collaborative to Improve Children's Oral Health through School-based Programs was authorized by the General Assembly (Chapter 753, Acts of 2025).

The Collaborative will study and recommend how to improve the oral health of children in the State through school–based dental programs. Its charge is to analyze the impact of support for schools and community dental partners in linking families and children to permanent dental facilities; as well as the effects of an increase in the number of dental hygienists who provide school–based services achieved through policy initiatives, including grant support for services for uninsured children, and Medicaid reimbursement of dental hygienists who render dental services. Further, the Collaborative is to consider authorizing school nurses to provide fluoride varnishes, among other clinically appropriate services, by modifying school health guidelines and reimbursing nurses through the Maryland Medical Assistance Program (Medicaid); In addition, expansion of the capacity of school–based health centers to provide dental services; clarification of the law that governs dental hygienists practice in school settings, and other innovative models will be evaluated by the Collaborative.

Twenty members constitute the Collaborative. Twelve members are appointed by the Secretary of Health. The Senate President and House Speaker each appoint two members, and four members serve ex officio. The Secretary of Health names the Chair.

Authorization for the Collaorative ends June 30, 2027.

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