Networks for Oral Health Integration within the Maternal and Child Health Safety Net | HRSA 19 053

Opportunity Information: Apply for HRSA 19 053

Networks for Oral Health Integration within the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Safety Net (NOHI) is a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) discretionary funding opportunity designed to improve how children ages 0 through 17 access and receive high-quality, comprehensive oral health care. The grant focuses on building and testing practical, real-world ways to weave oral health services into the existing MCH safety net, meaning the clinics, programs, payment systems (including Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program), and support services that families already rely on for maternal and child health care. The central idea is that oral health should not sit off to the side as a separate system; it should be built into the routine flow of care that children and families encounter in safety net settings.

A key feature of the NOHI program is its emphasis on developing a replicable "model of care." In this context, a model of care is a structured approach that defines what services should be delivered, by whom, when, and where, so children get the right oral health-related care at the right time and in the right setting. The goal is not simply to run a one-off project, but to test, validate, and evaluate approaches that can be repeated and scaled in other communities or systems. HRSA intends to fund three separate Networks, and each Network is expected to create, implement, and evaluate a model of care that integrates oral health into one of the MCH safety net settings identified in the program guidance (referenced as Table 1 in the notice).

The program requires applicants to pursue three connected strategies at the same time. First, Networks must strengthen the integration of oral health care within MCH safety net services, meaning oral health becomes a routine part of how MCH systems operate rather than an occasional referral. Second, Networks must raise the knowledge and skills of the full care team. This includes dental providers, non-dental clinical providers (for example, pediatric or primary care clinicians), and non-dental support service providers who often help families navigate care. The expectation is that improving oral health outcomes requires shared competencies across the broader workforce, not only dentists. Third, Networks must improve parents' and caregivers' knowledge and awareness of preventive oral health practices, with the practical intent of increasing the adoption of healthy behaviors and encouraging appropriate use of needed dental services.

For projects centered in a clinical MCH safety net setting, the notice lays out specific oral health integration components that should be included. These include anticipatory guidance (practical, forward-looking counseling that helps families understand what to expect and how to prevent problems), oral health education for children and families, and an oral health risk assessment for children or adolescents. The model is also expected to include structured referrals to appropriate oral health services and active tracking of referrals to confirm whether children actually receive the needed care, not just whether a referral was made. In addition, Networks should incorporate the provision of preventive oral health services, which may be delivered by dental personnel or appropriately trained non-dental personnel depending on the setting and scope of practice. Finally, the model should include referrals for restorative dental services when needed, ensuring that children who have identified problems can move beyond prevention into treatment.

Administratively, this opportunity is a cooperative agreement (meaning HRSA typically has substantial involvement in guiding or supporting the work compared with a standard grant). The funding opportunity number is HRSA-19-053, under CFDA 93.110, offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through HRSA. The notice projected three total awards, with an award ceiling of $1,283,333 per award. The opportunity was originally posted on January 28, 2019, with an original closing date of April 29, 2019. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others" with additional eligibility details referenced in the full notice.

Overall, the NOHI program is structured around building strong, network-driven partnerships that can prove workable, measurable ways to integrate pediatric oral health into the MCH safety net. The expectation is that funded Networks will not only deliver services, but also rigorously implement and evaluate integrated care workflows that improve prevention, navigation, follow-through on referrals, and access to treatment, while simultaneously strengthening provider capability and caregiver understanding so oral health improvements can be sustained beyond the grant period.

• The Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration in the health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Networks for Oral Health Integration within the Maternal and Child Health Safety Net" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.110.
• This funding opportunity was created on Jan 28, 2019.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 29, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,283,333.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for HRSA 19 053

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