Role of the Dental Health Foundation
Statement of Strategy
The Dental Health Foundation has, since its establishment, been at the forefront of oral health promotion in Ireland. Its Strategic Plan 2008-2012 sets out ambitious, but achievable goals and a practical integrated programme of work to continue and expand the support of the Foundation for effective oral health promotion. In pursuing these goals, the Foundation will continue to work closely with State bodies, the oral health care profession, consumer groups and the commercial sector.
Structure of the Dental Health Foundation
The Dental Health Foundation (DHF) emerged from within organised dentistry in the late 1990s to form an independent body funded directly by the Department of Health and Children. Since the formation of the Health Service Executive (HSE) they are now part funded by the HSE and Department of Health and Children.
The Foundation is a charitable trust (reference number CHY 6200) governed by a Board of Trustees drawn from membership of both the public and private dental profession. In 2007 an Advisory Committee was put in place to provide advice and guidance on existing and proposed work programmes, the committee meets on an annual basis. The DHF has three full-time staff an Executive Director, Corporate Services Manager and Senior Quality and Oral Health Officer.
Challenges and Goals
The challenges facing the Foundation in formulating its strategy for the next five years include:
- The National Oral Health Policy
- Governance and Direction
- Developing the Foundation's Profile
- Capacity Building for Oral Care Professionals
- Working with Coalitions and Partners
- North-South (Ireland) Working
In this context, working with our Advisory Committee, under the Chairmanship of Professor John Clarkson, and with our Trustees, we have developed a challenging strategic programme of work which, we believe, will deliver significant value in terms of focused oral health promotion, excellent value for money for state expenditure, and ultimately a significant contribution to the improved oral health of citizens of Ireland.
The Foundation has five strategic objectives as outlined in its Strategy 2008-2012:
- Development of an Independent Voice for the Dental Health Foundation
- Support to the Department of Health and Children
- Oral Health Promotion for Groups with Special Needs
- Increased Awareness of Good Personal Oral Health Practices
- Promoting Excellence in Oral Care
The goal of the Foundation is to promote oral health and to highlight the overall health benefits that can be achieved through improvement in an individual's oral health. Progress towards the achievement this goal through its strategic objectives is monitored at regular intervals throughout the year by the DHF management team and a report on progress is then made to the Board.
In pursing these goals the Foundation works on a partnership basis with State bodies, the oral health care profession, consumer groups and the commercial sector.
The Foundation's key stakeholders are the Department of Health and Children, the HSE, the Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health, the Board of Trustees, the Foundation's Advisory Committee, its managers and employees, the health and education and social care professions and relevant agencies and the general public.
Position Statement on Transparency
The Dental Health Foundation is committed to openness and transparency. We are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (1997) and acknowledge our obligations in this regard.
DHF Funding
The following figures relate to funding received in 2010;
100% of core funding was provided by the Department of Health to the value of €353,911
100% of project funding was provided by the Health Service Executive to the value of €203,520
The following figures relate to funding received in 2011;
100% of core funding was provided by the Department of Health to the value of €283, 794
100% of project funding was provided by the Health Service Executive to the value of €193, 328
