MAKE AN IMPACT

Committees & Work Groups

Join fellow Coalition members to collaborate, share expertise, develop policy recommendations, and help guide the Coalition's priorities through a committee or work group that aligns with your interests.

GET INVOLVED

Be a Part of the Change

Our committees and work 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.

How to Join

To join a committee or work group, you must be a Coalition member.

Once a member, simply send your name and the committee or work group you’d like to join to info@oralhealthmissouri.org.

LEGISLATION

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.

Meets: Monthly via Zoom

POLICY FOCUS

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.

Meets: As Needed via Zoom

Responsibilities

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.

POLICY FOCUS

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.

Meets: Quarterly via Zoom

Responsibilities

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.

POLICY FOCUS

Enhanced Opportunities for Individuals with I/DD Work Group

The Enhanced Opportunities for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 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.

Meets: As Needed via Zoom

Responsibilities

By gathering and reviewing information from providers, caregivers, advocates, and individuals with I/DD, this group aims 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.

 

COMMUNITY

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.

Meets: June – September
Additional Meetings as Needed via Zoom

OUTREACH

Membership Committee

The Membership Committee is responsible for developing goals to attract, engage, and retain members of the Coalition, as well as creating and implementing 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.

Meets: Quarterly via Zoom

Strategy

Development Committee

The Development Committee is responsible for creating and updating a strategic plan for the Coalition. 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