The History of PCOH
2007
The Coalition is Established as Fluoride Now
What began as a dedicated group of advocates laying the groundwork for oral health equity in Pennsylvania would grow into a powerful, statewide force for change.
2012
Milestone
Coalition Reaches 40 Members
A major milestone — the coalition's growing network of stakeholders reflects the rising momentum behind oral health advocacy in Pennsylvania.
Partnership
First Fiscal Sponsor Established
The Carlisle Area Health and Wellness Foundation becomes the coalition's first fiscal sponsor, providing the organizational backbone to scale operations. PCOH later moved to The Foundation for Enhancing Communities as our second fiscal sponsor
2013
Leadership
First Executive Director Position Announced
A pivotal step in the coalition's professionalization — establishing dedicated leadership to drive the mission forward.
Growth
Committee Adopts Formal Budget of $75,000
With an official budget in place, the coalition gains the financial structure needed to expand its advocacy and programming.
Leadership
Emilee Langer Hired as First Part-Time Executive Director
The coalition's first ED brings vision and energy to the growing organization's mission.
2014
Leadership
Lisa Schildhorn Hired as Second Executive Director
Leadership continuity ensures the coalition continues to build on its early successes and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
2015
Growth
PCOH Hires Part-Time Administrator
Adding dedicated administrative support enables the coalition to manage its expanding operations and member base.
Research
Oral Health Workforce Research Report
The coalition contracts with the Willenbecher Group to produce a comprehensive research report, including interviews with 33 dental professionals — informing future workforce policy.
2016
PCOH Incorporated as a Nonprofit Organization
A defining moment — the coalition officially becomes the Pennsylvania Coalition for Oral Health, a standalone 501(c)(3) nonprofit ready to lead systemic change.
Summit
2016 PA Oral Health Summit
The first PA Oral Health Summit brings together advocates, providers, and policymakers to shape the future of oral health in the Commonwealth.
2017
Leadership
Helen Hawkey Hired as Third Executive Director
New leadership brings fresh perspective and sustained momentum to PCOH's growing portfolio of programs and partnerships.
Policy Win
First-Ever PA Oral Health Plan Published
With support from PCOH, the Pennsylvania Department of Health publishes the state's inaugural oral health plan — a landmark framework for systemic improvement.
Growth
New Part-Time Hire — Soon Full-Time
PCOH adds a part-time employee, with the position growing to full-time within a year — a sign of the organization's expanding scope.
Partnership
Formal Partnership with PA Department of Health
The coalition launches a formal partnership with the PA Department of Health Oral Health Program, cementing its role as a key stakeholder in state-level oral health policy.
Team
All Three Consultants Transition to Staff
In Fall 2017, all three consultants officially become staff members — a testament to PCOH's growth and the value of its team.
2018
Advocacy
Statewide Water Action Team (SWAT) Launched
PCOH launches SWAT to protect and promote community water fluoridation across Pennsylvania — a direct-action initiative with statewide reach.
Funding
$3.45 Million in Federal Grants
The PA Department of Health is awarded federal grants totaling $3.45 million — with PCOH written in as a key partner in both workplans.
Summit
2018 PA Oral Health Summit
The biennial summit continues to grow, uniting hundreds of oral health champions from across the state.
Milestone
Over 700 Stakeholders
PCOH's network surpasses 700 stakeholders — a powerful community of advocates, providers, and policymakers driving change together.
2019
Growth
PCOH Grows to 3 Full-Time Staff
The team expands to three full-time employees, reflecting the organization's maturing capacity and deepening impact.
Policy
First PA State Fluoridation Plan Drafted
PCOH drafts the first statewide fluoridation plan for Pennsylvania — a strategic blueprint for protecting and expanding community water fluoridation.
2020
Policy
PA Oral Health Plan 2020–2030 Published
With PCOH's support, the Department of Health drafts and publishes a decade-long oral health plan — setting the vision for the next ten years.
Award
“State Rural Health Program of the Year” Award
PCOH receives the prestigious award from the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health — recognition of its outsized impact on rural communities.
2021
Digital
Free Oral Health Resources Page Launched
The PCOH Request Materials page goes live, offering free printed and electronic oral health resources to providers and communities statewide.
Summit
2021 PA Oral Health Summit
After a one-year COVID-19 delay, the Summit returns successfully — proving the resilience and dedication of Pennsylvania's oral health community.
Digital
Interactive CWF Map Published
The Community Water Fluoridation Map goes live — an interactive tool giving the public transparent access to fluoridation data across Pennsylvania.
Research
First-Ever Third Grade Screening Survey
PCOH completes the first statewide basic screening survey of third-graders — generating critical baseline data on children's oral health across Pennsylvania.
Policy Win
House Resolution 68 Passed
After sustained advocacy from PCOH, HR 68 passes — authorizing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the oral health workforce in Pennsylvania.
2023
Digital
Oral Health Workforce Dashboard
A new interactive dashboard goes live on the PCOH website, providing real-time data and insights on the oral health workforce across Pennsylvania.
Policy
Adult Dental Benefit Bill — Bipartisan Passage
House Bill 1417 achieves bipartisan passage — a major step forward in PCOH's long-running advocacy for adult dental benefits in Pennsylvania.
Summit
2023 PA Oral Health Summit — At Capacity
Registration reaches full capacity for the first time — a powerful indicator of the growing demand for oral health advocacy in Pennsylvania.
2024
Celebration
70 Years of Water Fluoridation in Philadelphia
PCOH co-sponsors a landmark event celebrating seven decades of community water fluoridation in Philadelphia — a historic milestone for public health.
Digital
Finding Dental Care Webpage
PCOH launches a dedicated resource to help Pennsylvanians find and access dental care providers in their communities.
Program
DART Program Launched
The Dental Assistant Radiology Training (DART) program launches to help dental assistants prepare for the radiology exam — expanding the workforce pipeline.
Program
Dental Careers Speakers’ Bureau
PCOH formally rolls out the Speakers' Bureau, enlisting Pennsylvania dental providers to promote dental careers locally and inspire the next generation.
Award
Highmark Foundation Bright Blue Futures Award
PCOH is honored with the prestigious Bright Blue Futures Award — a testament to the organization's transformative impact on community health.
2025
Policy Win
AAPD Periodicity Schedule Adopted
After meaningful advocacy, Pennsylvania adopts the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry periodicity schedule — ensuring children receive timely, guideline-based dental care.
Summit
2025 PA Oral Health Summit
The Summit tradition continues — bringing together the oral health community to share progress, forge partnerships, and set the agenda for the future.
2026
Growth
Staff Grows to 5.5 Full-Time Equivalent Employees
With support from additional consultants, PCOH reaches its largest team ever — 5.5 full-time equivalents — poised for even greater impact.
🎉 10-Year Anniversary of Incorporation
A decade as a nonprofit — and nearly 20 years since it all began. PCOH celebrates ten years of incorporation with gratitude for every partner, advocate, and community member who made this journey possible.
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