NH Oral Health Coalition

03/13/2026

03/13/2026

Kudos and thanks!

The New Hampshire Oral Health Coalition thanks our colleague and friend Myra Nikitas, RDH, CPHDH for her impactful work on our Steering Committee. While we will miss her many contributions to this committee, we look forward to continuing to partner with her on critical oral health issues across our state.

Thank you, Myra!

03/13/2026

From vapes to ni****ne pouches — trends are evolving. Join our FREE 2-part training series to learn what today’s youth are facing and earn 2 continuing education hours! 🚭 🧠

Register for free here: https://bit.ly/4rxUepX

03/12/2026

Leading with heart!

In recognition of March as National Social Work Month, NHOHC thanks and salutes our Executive Director, Gail Tessier Brown, JD, MSW.

was first celebrated in March 1963 to build public support for the profession. It has become an event celebrated by hundreds of thousands of social workers – and their supporters – each year.

Thank you, Gail for all you do to support oral health and public health across the 603. Hats off to a true public health champion!

03/11/2026

More on the harms from va**ng and pouches. Protect your gums, lips, and lungs.

Individuals who use e-cigarettes are significantly more likely to report having gum disease compared to those who do not smoke or use other ni****ne products. During , explore CareQuest Institute's visual report that explains the risks related to oral health. https://ow.ly/g6Yu50YpLc1

03/11/2026

Making a difference in the community! Thank you for all you do to create healthy mouths and happy smiles.

APD extends heartfelt thanks to our incredible community partners for securing access to quality dental care to elementary-age students living in the Upper Valley. Together, we’re building a healthier community, and creating impact on oral health and wellness that will echo for years to come.

A special thank you to our local dental care providers:
• Archer Dental - Norwich, VT
• Good Neighbor Health Clinic & Red Logan Dental Clinic, White River Junction, VT
• Just Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Norwich, VT
• Mascoma Community Dental Center, Canaan, NH
• Montshire Pediatric Dentistry - Claremont, NH
• Pilon Decker Lipinski Dental, Hanover, NH
• Upper Valley Pediatric Dentistry, West Lebanon, NH

Thanks also to:
• Upper Valley Elementary Schools
• Vermont Department of Health
• Public Health Council of the Upper Valley

For more information about Upper Valley Smiles, please visit: www.AlicePeckDay.org/about/upper-valley-smiles

To make a donation to Upper Valley Smiles, please visit: www.AlicePeckDay.org/supportAPD

03/11/2026

Nominations are open for the 4 Annual NH Area Health Education Center Preceptor Recognition Awards!

Nominations are open through March 27th

Presented by the New Hampshire Area Health Education Center Network

Do you know someone you’d like to nominate?

Details and more at:

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

03/11/2026

03/10/2026

The National Dental Association is calling for an immediate investigation into the tragic and preventable death of Haitian asylum seeker Emmanuel Damas, who reportedly died after an untreated tooth infection while in federal immigration detention. According to reports, Mr. Damas repeatedly complained of severe tooth pain while detained at the Florence Correctional Center in Arizona but was allegedly given only pain medication for days. He later collapsed and was hospitalized with septic shock after the infection spread beyond his tooth. Medical experts emphasize that infections originating in the mouth can spread rapidly to the lungs, brain, or heart—but with timely dental care, such deaths are entirely preventable. Simply put: no one in the United States should die from a toothache.

This tragedy echoes the 2007 death of 12-year-old Deamonte Driver in Maryland, whose untreated dental infection also became fatal. Nearly two decades later, another life has been lost to a condition that modern medicine can treat quickly and effectively. Beyond the medical failure, the circumstances surrounding Mr. Damas’ death raise serious moral questions about the conditions and oversight of immigration detention facilities. The National Dental Association is calling for a full federal investigation, transparent review of medical and dental care protocols in detention centers, and immediate standards ensuring timely access to emergency dental care for all detainees. Healthcare is a basic human right, and human dignity does not stop at the walls of a detention facility.

To read the full release go to the Newsroom on ndaonline.org

03/10/2026

A leader in oral health!

The New Hampshire Oral Health Coalition thanks and salutes LeaAnne Shampaine, RDH, CPHDH for her long volunteer service at NHOHC.

LeaAnne has served as an energetic and impactful leader on behalf of Northeast Delta Dental as member of our board and steering committees for many years; we are so appreciative for all she has done and wish her well in retirement.

Thank you, LeaAnne!

03/07/2026

The EPA is accepting public comments on its preliminary assessment plan for review of fluoride in drinking water.

03/07/2026

Ever wonder who keeps the dental office running like a well-oiled machine?

From scheduling your appointments and preparing the room to assisting the dentist during your visit, dental assistants are the unsung heroes of every dental practice!

Read more about them in the comments.