Catalanotto takes leadership in state, national oral health groups

Frank Catalanotto, D.M.D., professor and chair of the University of Florida College of Dentistry Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, recently accepted leadership positions in two oral health advocacy groups.

In August 2012 Catalanotto was elected chair of the Leadership Council of Oral Health Florida (OHF). OHF, under the leadership of the Florida Public Health Institute, works with state and national stakeholders to improve oral health in Florida.  The coalition’s mission is to increase public understanding of and public support for programs and policies that aim to improve oral health in our communities.

In September 2012 he was elected to a two-year term as vice chair of the Board of Directors of Oral Health America (OHA).  In 2014, he will take over as chair through 2016. OHA was founded in 1955 to raise funds for dental education and research. Today this national non-profit organization works to educate Americans about the importance of mouth health to overall health and well-being.  Their mission is to change lives by connecting communities with resources to increase access to care, education, and advocacy for all Americans, especially those most vulnerable.

OHA has given two $20,000 grants to United Way of North Central Florida to support the college’s community service programs including a school-based dental sealant program in Alachua County, managed by the Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science.