Office of Oral Health
ORAL HEALTH PROGRAM
Dr. Jim Sutherland
The Oral Health Program was reestablished in 1995 with the hiring of Dr. Jim Sutherland, a Commissioned Officer in the United States Public Health Service. Dr. Sutherland is detailed to Louisiana and has set three initiatives for the program for 1997-1998. He is currently undertaking a statewide Oral Health needs assessment. Dr. Sutherland is utilizing a model developed by the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) as a framework to conduct the needs assessment. An advisory committee representing programs and organizations with a vested interest in Oral Health has been assembled and is assisting in needs assessment activities. A description of existing public dental clinics throughout the state was completed recently by an oral health advisory committee. This brochure has useful information about the clinics and is available from the Oral Health Program.
Dr. Sutherland is also currently working to increase the state's population who enjoy the benefits of community water fluoridation. Currently, only about half of the state's population are served by community water systems that either adjust or have existing natural fluoride at optimum levels. The fluoridation program is a core function the of the Louisiana state oral health program and is a vital part of the overall mission of the oral health program which is to improve the oral health of the citizens of Louisiana. For every $1.00 spent on fluoridation, approximately $80.00 in dental treatment costs can be saved. Fluoridation benefits children as well as adults! A true public health measure!
Dr. Sutherland's third initiative this year is to work with the dental community and other organizations in the state to help prevent the occurrence of abuse and neglect against one of the most valued members in our community, our children!
Maternal and Child Health, Oral Health Program, 325 Loyola Avenue, Room 612, New Orleans, LA, 70112
For
more information contact: jsutherl@dhhmail.dhh.state.la.us
