Chapter 3. Create Awareness and Secure Support

IOH Toolkit

Chapter 3. Create Awareness and Secure Support

Successful oral health integration will require support from major stakeholders in and out of your institution. Whether you seek change at the classroom, program, or institutional level, you will need to launch an awareness campaign that rallies colleagues and students around your program. This chapter outlines a five-phase community engagement process.

Phase 1. Identify and Engage Leaders

Phase 2. Connect and Create a Shared Vision

Phase 3. Educate Colleagues and Students

Phase 4. Generate Interest at the Grass Roots

Phase 5. Secure Support

Getting out the word about the value of oral health integration can be fun and exciting. It can also be overwhelming. These tips will help you get started on the right foot.

Keep your message consistent.
Use reputable sources such as peer-reviewed journals or national reports by expert panels when sharing information.
Make it easy for interested parties to participate—give them the tools they need to take action.
Don’t be afraid to start small.

< Previous Page: Chapter 2 Resources

First Published: 9/2015
Last updated: 03/2016

Next Page: Phase 1. Identify and Engage Leaders >