Infrastructure Development Tools
Activity 1: Program Infrastructure—Staffing, Management, and Support
Strong program infrastructure is an essential component to a successful
program. Infrastructure enables a program to increase capacity, enhance
support, and build sustainability.
To develop effective leadership within state oral health programs, a state
will benefit by employing a full-time dental director who is an oral health
professional with training in public health.
In addition, the following staff is also important for developing effective
oral health program infrastructure (minimum availability shown for each type
of expertise):
- Program coordinator (.5 full-time equivalent [FTE])
- Epidemiologist (.5 FTE)
- Water fluoridation engineer/specialist or coordinator (.5 FTE)
- Dental sealant program coordinator (.5 FTE)
- Other appropriate staff, including:
- Program evaluator (.25 FTE)
- Health education/health communication specialist (.25 FTE)
- Adequate support staff
States that have met the minimal staffing levels (shown above) may wish to
employ FTEs at greater amounts or acquire additional capacity by sharing
positions, such as those for a fiscal coordinator or a grant writer.
If states have insufficient funding for dedicated staff, they may seek ways
to build infrastructure by leveraging existing state resources and sharing
staff time with other programs.
Page last reviewed: September 15, 2009
Page last modified: September 15, 2009
Content source:
Division of Oral Health,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion |
