SBHAAR Oral Health Cohort: Second Round Release for Proposals and Application
Background
School-based health programs support equitable access and improved health outcomes by reducing barriers such as transportation and scheduling conflicts. The School-Based Health Alliance of Arkansas (SBHAAR), with support from the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation, is expanding its Smiles Start Here initiative to strengthen school-based oral health programs (SBOHPs) across the state.
Project Overview
The project aims to increase the number of Arkansas children receiving oral health services at school by engaging dental safety-net clinics in a learning collaborative during the 2025–2026 school year.
Selected participants will:
• Take part in three 60-minute virtual coaching sessions.
• Test and refine toolkit modules focused on collaboration, family engagement, sustainability, and workforce strategies.
• Collect and submit data (baseline and follow-up).
• Implement school-based oral health services in partnership with schools.
• Receive technical assistance and peer learning opportunities from SBHAAR.
Each participating clinic will receive a $1,000 stipend, paid in two installments:
• $500 upon submission of a completed readiness assessment at the start of the project.
• $500 upon submission of the final readiness assessment at the end of the project.
Cohort Timeline
December 2025 – Launch virtual coaching series; focus session 1 on Toolkit Module 1 and SMARTIE/PDSA quality improvement tools.
Jan – Feb 2026 – Collect and submit baseline/pre-assessment data.
March 2026 – Attend second coaching session aligned with Module 2 content.
Mar – May 2026 – Pilot sites implement toolkitstrategies from all modules, supported by technical assistance.
May 2026 –Participate in final coaching session aligned with Module 3 and cross-site lessons.
Apr – Jun 2026 – Submit engagement and implementation data.
Expectations of Participants
• At least one staff member will attend all required coaching sessions.
• Implement a school-based oral health program during the project period.
• Submit baseline and follow-up data (readiness assessments, surveys, and outcome measures).
• Maintain regular communication with SBHAAR staff through email, phone, and/or check-ins.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be dental safety-net clinics or non-profit dental clinics in Arkansas. Clinics do not need an established school-based health center to apply.
Application Process
• RFP release: September 18, 2025
• Application deadline: October 22, 2025
• Notification of selection: November 2025
• Cohort launch: December 2025
Apply Here!
SBHAAR staff will review all applications. Finalists may be invited to participate in a phone interview. Up to five clinics will be selected.