In the statement targeted at the organizers of state-level oral health programs, the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (2020) establishes seven domains that support the categorization of health services. The domains’ purpose might be to facilitate the recognition of diverse components of dental programs’ success, including HR management, intra-group conflict resolution, science-informed public health interventions, flexibility in strategic thinking, and so on. Potentially, the domains and related skills could be used by program development committees as checklists to maximize the chances of successful implementation endeavors.
At least three domains represent the aspects of program development peculiar to Unit 3 mock program development assignments. Domain 2, planning and evaluating programs, is critical to follow since it guarantees success in achieving consistency and unity between need assessments, goals, and intervention strategies (ASTDD, 2020). Domain 5 refers to managing programs and resources, and its importance involves the ability to prepare sound funding proposals and evaluate financial opportunities for implementation (ASTDD, 2020). Finally, Domain 7 refers to leading strategically and creating a vision for success (ASTDD, 2020). Implementing competencies from this domain is essential since it supports the development of health promotion activities that would be aligned with stakeholders’ shared vision.
Two areas of the ASTDD’s website that can support working on Unit 3 program planning assignment include Program Support and Best Practices. The first area offers updated information on oral health programs’ infrastructure and provides guidelines regarding staff and stakeholder selection and the analysis of funding options. The Best Practices section summarizes health promotion initiatives and action plans with proven effectiveness. During my future practice as a public health hygienist, the website will enable me to learn about recent territorial and state programs and the development of real-life and implementable initiatives. It will be helpful if my activities will include participation in local oral health promotion initiatives.
Reference
Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors. (2020). ASTDD competencies for state oral health programs. Web.