Project GOH!

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Good Oral Health Project
Research Method:
Principal Investigator: Jean J. Schensul, Ph.D.
Grant:National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (1 RC4 DE021324)
Dates of Study: 2010-2013

Background
Significant oral health disparities exist among older low income and minority community dwelling adults. There is little research on these topics that would assist in improving oral health among vulnerable older adults. Without proper screening and regular treatment, dental decay, oral cancers and other lesions and gum problems can lead to chronic pain, illness, exacerbation of chronic health problems, and even death.

The Institute for Community Research in partnership with the University of Connecticut Dental School and the North Central Area Agency on Aging has received a three year stimulus grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research to build collaborative infrastructure to support clinical and community based research on geriatric oral health.

Project Goals and Objectives

To
	Work with clinicians, building managers and residents to better understand residents' perceptions of oral health, what role it plays in their lives, and what problems they have encountered in acessing dental care.
	Work with resident groups to develop research projects and carry out educational programs to help people learn about achieving good oral health.
	Involve residents, clinicians and OHRSA members in informing healthcare providers, advocates, and policymakers about appropriate oral health needs of older adults.

Project Details
The project team is building a statewide geriatric oral health research strategic alliance to promote geriatric oral health projects, services and research, and will link the university, ICR and NCAAA to a network of older adult residences receiving public funding in Hartford and the surrounding areas including Meriden. A prominent aspect of the project is to develop a group of informed older adult oral health research advocates who will both propose and participate in endorsing studies designed to improve geriatric oral health services and quality of life among those 50 and over in the Greater Hartford and Meriden area.

A state-wide alliance called the Oral Health Research Strategic Alliance (OHRSA) was formed to support the project's research efforts.

Visit the GOH web site at http://www.projectgoh.org

Staff Contact:
Jean J. Schensul, Ph.D.

Principal Investigator

(860) 278-2044 ext. 227

Kim Radda, M.A., R.N.

Colleen Foster-Bey, M.Ed.

Clara Acosta-Glynn, LCSW, MPH

University of Connecticut Health Center School of Dental Medicine

Susan Reisine, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator

Ruth Goldblatt, DMD

North Central Area Agency on Aging
Robyn Gulley-Harper