Working Together to Innovate Solutions

The Institute for Oral Health collaborates with America's leading experts in health care to gather data, insights, and potential solutions for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of dental care treatment, delivery, and policies.

IOH helps raise awareness on key oral health issues through this website, our quarterly newsletter, and by hosting focus groups and our annual national conference.

This knowledge resource is designed to benefit dental professionals, universities, employers, benefits companies, government agencies, and the public.

IOH Leadership

Ron Inge, DDS — Executive Director

As a founder of the Institute for Oral Health, Dr. Inge leads its initiatives to advance innovation in the dental profession and health care industry. He also serves as the Vice President of Professional Services and Dental Director for Washington Dental Service, where he promotes positive changes in network development, provider relations, and clinical policies.

Advisors

Howard L. Bailit, DMD, PhD
Professor Emeritus, University of Connecticut Health Center

Dr. Bailit is a national leader in health policy and managed care, and a member of the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences since 1984.

Burton Edelstein, DDS, MPH
Professor of Dentistry and Health Policy & Management, Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery

Dr. Edelstein is Founding Director of Children's Dental Health Project, a Washington, D.C.-based research and advocacy organization committed to improving children's oral health and dental care.

Michael Glick, DMD
Professor of Oral Medicine and Dean, School of Dental Medicine, University at Buffalo

Dr. Glick has authored more than 200 journal publications, numerous book chapters, and co-edited textbooks including "Dental Management of Patients with HIV" and “Burket’s Oral Medicine: Diagnosis and Treatment" (11th ed.). More...

William Kohn, DDS
VP for Dental Science and Policy, Delta Dental Plans in Illinois; former Director, Division of Oral Health, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

Dr. Kohn spent his early career in Alaska in both private practice and with the Indian Health Service/Public Health. He also served as dental director for the Tanana Chiefs Corp. Health Center providing services to more than 10,000 Alaskan Natives, serving Fairbanks and 26 remote villages. More...

Linda C. Niessen, DMD, MPH, MPP
VP and Chief Clinical Officer for DENTSPLY Int'l; Clinical Professor, Dept. of Restorative Sciences, Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M University

At DENTSPLY, Dr. Neissen has launched innovative clinical education initiatives, oversees the Global Student Clinician Research Program and is responsible for internal and external corporate communications. Clinically, she has practiced as a geriatric dentist caring for patients residing in long term care facilities in several VA Medical Centers. More...