THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCES THE FLORIDA HEALTH PRACTITIONER ORAL HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE REPORT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE          Contact: DOH Communications Office April 1, 2009                                 (850) 245-4111 TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Health (DOH), under the leadership of State Surgeon General Ana M. Viamonte Ros, M.D., M.P.H., announces the release of the Florida Health Practitioner Oral Healthcare Workforce Ad Hoc Advisory Committee Report. Because oral health is essential to general health and well-being, the lack of basic oral health care for many Floridians contributes to the number of people experiencing poor general health. “A strong healthcare workforce ensures that adequate staff is equipped to meet the healthcare needs of our state,” said Dr. Viamonte Ros. “Through supporting and growing our healthcare workforce, Florida can make strides in other health areas as well, such as prevention, health literacy and reducing disparities. Our agency is working with Governor Crist, the Legislature, and concerned citizens and organizations to bring positive, lasting change for all Floridians.” In early 2008, DOH established three professional health practitioner workforce Ad Hoc Advisory Committees – health practitioner, nursing and oral healthcare. The Oral Healthcare Workforce Ad Hoc Advisory Committee was comprised of a broad base of governmental and nongovernmental stakeholders. The mission of the Committee was to evaluate and address the complex range of oral health workforce concerns that impact access to oral healthcare services, especially for Florida’s disadvantaged and underserved populations. The recommendations included in this report provide guidance to policymakers, professional organizations, advocates and the public as they consider how to address implementation of strategies that can positively affect Florida’s dental workforce challenges. Notable in the process of developing these recommendations, the membership of the Committee worked within an environment of significant collaboration—working together to achieve a common goal and a desire to enrich the lives of all people in Florida by improving access to oral health care providers and services. DOH promotes, protects and improves the health of all people in Florida. To view the report, visit www.doh.state.fl.us/Family/dental/OralHealhcareWorkforce/index.html.