Founded
in 1937, the American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD)
provides a focus for meeting the challenge to improve oral health. AAPHD
membership is open to all individuals concerned with improving the oral
health of the public.
Its
broad base of membership provides a fertile environment and numerous opportunities
for the exchange of ideas and experiences. During the past decade, many
enthusiastic persons have joined AAPHD, increasing its influence
and effectiveness. Improvements in the oral health of the U.S. population
have been much heralded in recent years. However, these gains have eluded
many of the most vulnerable people - those for whom public health personnel
often have special concern - in the U.S. and other countries. For such individuals,
living with oral pain and disfigurement means a lack of health that interferes
with the opportunity to learn and obtain meaningful employment.
These
circumstances challenge us to improve total health for all citizens through
the development and support of effective programs of oral health promotion
and disease prevention. To meet the challenge of improved oral health for
all, the AAPHD is committed to:
Promotion
of effective efforts in disease prevention, health promotion and service
delivery;
Education
of the public, health professionals and decision-makers regarding the
importance of oral health to total well-being; and
Expansion
of the knowledge base of dental public health and fostering competency
in its practice.
For
further information on AAPHD, contact:
American Association of Public Health Dentistry
National Office
3085 Stevenson Drive, Suite 200
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: 217-529-6941
Fax: 217-529-9120
email: natoff@aaphd.org
