MCOH Committees & Work Groups
The Coalition has several committees and work groups available to our members as part of our continued effort to strengthen member engagement and expand opportunities for collaboration across the Coalition.
These groups play an important role in shaping policy priorities, advancing strategic initiatives, planning events, and supporting the Coalition’s mission to improve oral health for all Missourians. Whether you are interested in advocacy, education, strategic planning, membership engagement, or conference development, we hope you will consider getting involved.
Below is an overview of each committee and work group.
If you are interested in participating in a committee or work group, please contact us at info@oralhealthmissouri.org.
Policy Committee
The Policy Committee is responsible for developing and updating the Coalition’s public policy agenda, which is reviewed and approved by the Board and revised as needed to support the organization’s mission. Members collaborate to review and discuss established policy goals and priorities, formulate policy recommendations, monitor developments within the policy landscape, and identify opportunities to advance meaningful policy change. The Policy Committee is chaired by a Board member, who reports on the Committee’s work at meetings of the Board.
Meets: Monthly (via Zoom)
Medicaid Work Group
The Medicaid Work Group functions as a specialized subcommittee within the Policy Committee, focusing exclusively on issues related to Missouri Medicaid. Convening on an as needed basis, the Work Group evaluates potential policy modifications, emerging challenges, and opportunities for improvement within the Medicaid program. Its responsibilities include researching and developing detailed Medicaid policy proposals, assessing their potential impact, and guiding the strategic planning necessary to advance these recommendations through the Coalition’s broader policy process. By providing targeted expertise and analysis, the Medicaid Work Group supports the Policy Committee in shaping informed, effective policy positions that strengthen oral health outcomes for Missouri’s Medicaid population.
Meets: As needed
Veterans Work Group
The Veterans Work Group operates as a subcommittee within the Policy Committee and focuses specifically on issues affecting the oral health of Missouri’s veteran population. This Work Group evaluates the current state of oral health among veterans, identifies gaps in available dental services, and raises awareness of the challenges veterans face in accessing care. The group collaborates with veterans, community partners, and stakeholders to explore strategies and assess opportunities for policy change that could improve access to quality dental care for this underserved population. In addition to identifying and evaluating potential policy initiatives, the Veterans Work Group also compiles veteran specific oral health resources for inclusion on the Coalition website.
Meets: Quarterly
Enhanced Opportunities for Individuals with I/DD Work group
The Enhanced Opportunities for Individuals with I/DD Work Group operates as a subcommittee within the Policy Committee and is dedicated to improving oral health outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) across Missouri. The Work Group focuses on elevating awareness of the unique oral health needs of people with I/DD, including the systemic, financial, and logistical barriers that limit access to appropriate care.
This Work Group gathers and reviews information from providers, caregivers, advocates, and individuals with I/DD to better understand current challenges and opportunities for improvement. Its responsibilities include compiling and curating relevant educational materials, best practice resources, and support tools for inclusion on the Coalition’s website, ensuring that stakeholders have access to accurate and practical information.
In addition, the Work Group identifies, evaluates, and recommends policy changes that could expand access to oral health services, strengthen provider capacity, and promote equitable care for individuals with I/DD. Through research, collaboration, and strategic analysis, the Work Group supports the Policy Committee in advancing informed, impactful policy initiatives that address the oral health disparities experienced by this population.
Meets: As Needed
Conference Committee
The Conference Committee is responsible for developing and implementing a plan for the annual Missouri oral health policy conference. This includes recommending conference topics, identifying potential speakers, and working collaboratively with Coalition staff to enhance the event each year. The Committee is also charged with creating a process for identifying and recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving the oral health of Missourians. Both the conference plan and the recognition process are reviewed and approved by the Board. The Conference Committee is chaired by a Board member, who reports on the Committee’s work at Board meetings.
Meets: June - September, with additional meetings as needed (via Zoom)
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is responsible for developing goals to attract, engage, and retain members of the Coalition. Once these goals are approved by the Board, the Committee will create and implement strategies to achieve them. Serving as a key link between the organization and its members, the Committee works to ensure members feel included, appreciated, and actively involved in the Coalition’s mission. The Membership Committee is chaired by a Board member, who reports on the Committee’s work at Board meetings.
Meets: Quarterly (via Zoom)
Development Committee
The Development Committee is responsible for creating and updating a strategic plan for the Coalition, subject to approval by the Board. Chaired by a Board member, the Committee provides regular reports on its work at Board meetings. In addition to strategic planning, the Development Committee ensures the Coalition is structured to effectively support its mission. This includes reviewing Coalition documents and materials—such as the Logic Model, and Theory of Change—as well as the website, to confirm that all information is accurate and aligned with organizational goals.
Meets: Quarterly (via Zoom)