Word of Mouth: What Residents Are Saying About the State of Oral Health in Hawai‘i

The Hawai‘i Oral Health Coalition (HOHC) continues its work convening residents across the islands. Since May, HOHC has met with residents on O‘ahu, Maui, Lāna‘i, and Kaua‘i. Held in collaboration with partners, including the State Department of Health, Hawai‘i Dental Service Foundation, AlohaCare, and Federally-Qualified Health Centers, these meetings serve two key purposes.

The first is to report back. Sharing the results and progress of the strategic priorities identified in 2024 ensures the work comes full circle, and that the residents who gave their time, knowledge, and lived experience continue to guide the coalition. Progress is evident in keiki oral health access, workforce development, community-based care, and legislative advocacy. While not the result of HOHC’s efforts alone, participants see promising opportunities to keep investing in Hawai‘i’s oral health. Gaps remain, and there’s broad agreement that the coalition plays an important role in addressing them, alongside other oral health champions across the state.

The second purpose is to listen. HOHC wants to understand how ongoing federal disruptions are affecting the daily lives of residents navigating Hawai‘i’s already fragmented oral health system. But the coalition isn’t only interested in barriers and challenges. Community strengths and assets matter just as much in shaping successful future work. So we asked meeting participants what they see as the greatest challenges and strengths in oral health on their island. Here’s what they’ve shared so far:

What do you believe are the biggest problems in community oral health?

What are the greatest strengths and assets for community oral health on your island?

Among the concerns, dental workforce shortages and access to care remain a top priority. Strengthening oral health education and promotion will be essential to prevent emerging dental conditions from worsening amid these access barriers. On the strengths side, participants pointed to the strong community relationships within and across the islands that create opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked. As the coalition works to improve oral and overall health statewide, it may benefit from understanding what these relationships look like, what makes them thrive, and how they can help communities lead meaningful change themselves.

Community oral health meetings on Hawai‘i Island are set for November, and plans with Moloka‘i are in progress. The insights gathered so far are already shaping coalition agendas, and a full report on the meetings’ outcomes is expected by the end of 2026.

To learn more about the community meetings or any of HOHC’s ongoing initiatives, contact us anytime at info@hiohc.org or (808) 591-6508 ext. 27. We look forward to hearing from you!