Launched in 2001 through a collaborative effort of the California Primary Care Association (CPCA) and the Dental Health Foundation (DHF), the Oral Health Access Council (OHAC) is a multi lateral, non partisan effort directed toward improving the oral health status of the state's traditionally underserved and vulnerable populations. With a membership of over 40 consortia and associations representing a diversity of oral health stakeholders, OHAC has become California's most broad-based and unified voice for oral health. It is significant to note that OHAC is not simply an advisory group; rather, it is an action oriented organization whose members are committed to accomplishing the work necessary to bring about systemic change.

OHAC Mission

Improve the oral health of California’s underserved and vulnerable populations.

Guiding Principles

OHAC Supports policies that:

• Increase access to oral health services
• Eliminates barriers to care
• Acknowledges that oral health is essential to overall health
• Prevents disease
• Increases the public’s awareness of California’s oral health needs and the measures needed to address them effectively
• Reduces disparities

OHAC Structure

Membership:

OHAC membership has grown to include over 40 organizations, representing a wide variety of California's diverse oral health stakeholders, including clinic consortia; organized assisting, hygiene and dentistry; dental schools; children’s organizations, hospital associations; public health departments; children’s dental programs;  ethnic health organizations; and school-based associations.  All OHAC members execute a memorandum of agreement (MOA) affirming their commitment to cosponsor OHAC's goals and outlining the terms of their participation. Each member organization may have up to two votes on all issues.

Meetings:

OHAC is not merely an advisory group—it is an action oriented organization. The entire OHAC membership meets three times per year in different locations throughout the state.  Meetings are open to anyone.  Typically meetings are from 11:00am to 3:00pm on Wednesdays in the following locations:

• September in Sacramento
• January in Oakland
• May in Los Angeles

Governance

OHAC is governed by a steering committee of 8 members.  These include representation from the two managing partner organizations—Dental Health Foundation and the California Primary Care Association; the chair of the Policy Committee; and 5 elected members.

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