ABOUT THIS RESOURCE
This recorded webinar aims to increase understanding of common oral health problems faced by individuals with mental health and substance abuse challenges. Many may face stigma or shame related to their oral health. Peer support specialists play an integral role in supporting those they serve related to their oral health and recovery. Excerpts from the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon’s Peer Oral Health Training are utilized in this webinar. Hosted by the Northwest MHTTC in partnership with the Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Presentation slides
- Give Back a Smile
- Cosmetic Dentistry Grants
- The Mouth-Body Connection Book
- 32 Reasons You Need to Know More About the Mouth-Body Connection infographic from The Smile Generation
- American Dental Association
- 2000 Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health
- "Study to Explore How to Improve Oral Health for Those With Mental Illness," Dentistry Today, 12 August 2020.
- University of Utah Health. (2019, May 20). The healing power of a smile: A link between oral care and substance abuse recovery. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 13, 2021 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190520081926.htm
- American Dental Association and Health Policy Institute, "Oral Health and Well-Being in the United States." This fact sheet summarizes select data on self-reported oral health status, attitudes and dental care utilization among United States adults as of 2015.
FACILITATOR
Janie Gullickson, MPA: HA
Janie Gullickson is a person in long-term recovery and for her that means she has not used alcohol or other drugs in over 11 years. Janie is in recovery from both addiction and mental health challenges as well as homelessness, incarceration, and criminal justice involvement. She navigated all types of systems and institutions that can accompany such life experiences, from frequent hospitalizations to prison. Janie was released from Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in September of 2006. Janie first began her work as a Peer Support Specialist/Recovery Mentor for Yamhill County HHS in McMinnville, Oregon in 2011. Janie joined the peer-run organization Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon (MHAAO) as a project assistant in 2014. In May of 2017 Janie became MHAAO’s Executive Director. She also earned her Master of Public Administration: Health Administration (MPA: HA) degree from Portland State University in June of 2017. Janie is passionate about social justice issues with a focus on mental health and addiction recovery, peer programs and services and advocacy in these realms.
PANELISTS
Reina Bower
Reina Bower is the Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon Evolve Peer Services Director.
Kevin Fitts
Kevin Fitts is the Executive Director of the Oregon Mental Health Consumers Association.