The selection process was difficult. States were required to clearly define existing challenges in providing oral health services for low-income children, and then explain current thinking on how to address those challenges. States were also required to provide compelling evidence that they would dedicate staff time and resources necessary to participate in and benefit from the project. Plans are already underway for a third academy which will likely be held in the spring of 2001 in Mississippi. Following the policy academy, the NGA Center for Best Practices will be available to provide individual technical assistance to all states on this and other health policy issues.
Dental decay is one of the most common chronic infectious diseases among U.S. children.
NGA center staff will conduct a site visit to each selected state beforehand to facilitate discussion and prepare state teams for the academy. States will have considerable discretion in choosing the size and scope of their proposed teams, but must include someone who is appointed or designated by the governor to serve as the project lead. The policy academy will give state teams the opportunity to work with peers and leading national experts to develop strategic plans in addressing oral health care coverage and services for children in their state. It will require substantial preparation from state attendees, active team participation during the academy and strong commitment towards implementing the ideas generated from the academy. Its members are the Governors of the fifty states, three territories and two commonwealths.