The resolution on the Alaska Dental Health Aide and Therapist and Other Innovative Programs, that was submitted by Myron Allukian and supported by the Oral Health Section leadership, was passed by the APHA Governing Council in 2005. It then became APHA policy, but was introduced as a Late-breaking Resolution. As such, the policy remains until the next Annual Meeting in Boston in November 2006. With assistance from other Oral Health Section members, including Chair-Elect Howard Pollick, Myron submitted a revised proposed policy based on suggestions from the APHA Joint Policy Committee. The revision is now available to APHA members to review. You will find that the proposed policy has been substantially amended form the 2005 version, continuing support for the Alaska program while supporting additional innovative programs for improving access to quality oral health care for all under-served populations. At the 2006 Annual Meeting, the Governing Council will consider approval of the revised version, whereupon it will become permanent APHA policy.

Please send any comments to Howard Pollick.