Transforming Oral Health in America's Correctional Facilities

A Partnership Opportunity for Innovation and Impact

The Crisis We Face

Over 2 million Americans are currently incarcerated, and they face a silent health crisis that affects nearly every individual behind bars. The statistics paint a stark picture:

• 98.2% of incarcerated individuals have experienced tooth decay

• The average prisoner has 17-22 decayed, missing, or filled teeth (compared to 7 in the general population)

• Over 90% suffer from periodontal disease

• 52% use tobacco, exacerbating oral health problems

• Many have never had access to preventive dental care

This isn't just about teeth, it's about human dignity, successful reintegration, and breaking cycles of poor health that affect entire communities.

Why Oral Health Matters

Beyond the Mouth

Poor oral health is linked to:

• Heart disease and stroke

• Diabetes complications

• Respiratory infections

• Mental health challenges

• Reduced employment opportunities post-release

• Lower self-esteem and social isolation

The Economic Impact

• Each untreated cavity can cost $200-2,000 to repair

• Emergency dental visits cost correctional facilities millions annually

• Poor oral health contributes to recidivism through reduced employment prospects

• Preventive care could save $3-5 for every dollar invested

Our Initiative: Prevention Through Innovation

We believe that even moderate improvements in preventive oral care can create wide-scale positive impact. Our initiative focuses on bringing scientifically-proven, advanced oral health products into prison commissaries at prices comparable to standard products.

Our Approach

1. Evidence-Based Product Selection

We prioritize products containing ingredients proven to:

• Remineralize tooth enamel naturally

• Reduce harmful bacteria without disrupting beneficial oral flora

• Provide lasting protection against decay

• Address multiple oral health issues simultaneously

2. Accessibility Through Subsidization

Premium oral health products can typically cost 3-5 times more than standard options. Through strategic partnerships and subsidies, we aim to make these products available at standard commissary prices, ensuring access regardless of economic status.

3. Education and Empowerment

We provide simple, clear educational materials about:

• Proper oral hygiene techniques

• Understanding ingredient benefits

• Making informed choices about oral health

• The connection between oral and overall health

The Science Behind Better Oral Care

Next-Generation Ingredients Making a Difference

Biomimetic Remineralization Agents

Modern science has developed ingredients that mirror the natural building blocks of teeth, allowing for actual repair of early decay rather than just prevention. These ingredients are:

• Safe if swallowed (important in institutional settings)

• Effective at concentrations proven in clinical trials

• Non-toxic and suitable for all ages

Natural Antimicrobials

Plant-based compounds that have shown efficacy equal to or better than traditional synthetic antimicrobials, with fewer side effects and no contribution to antibiotic resistance.

Sugar Alternatives with Benefits

Beyond just avoiding sugar, certain alternatives actively fight cavity-causing bacteria while being safe for diabetics, a critical consideration given high diabetes rates in incarcerated populations.

Oral Probiotics

Beneficial bacteria that can:

• Reduce bad breath

• Fight cavity-causing bacteria

• Support gum health

• Boost oral immunity

Partnership Opportunities

For Oral Care Manufacturers

Make a Measurable Difference

• Reach an underserved population of approximately 2 million Americans

• Document real health improvements through clinical partnerships

• Generate powerful case studies and impact data

• Contribute to breaking cycles of poor health and recidivism

What We Seek in Partners

• Commitment to evidence-based formulations

• Products with proven efficacy in remineralization and bacterial control

• Willingness to work on pricing solutions for institutional settings

• Interest in long-term impact rather than one-time donations

What We Offer Partners

• Assistance in accessing to a consolidated market with predictable volume needs

• Which may lead to simplified distribution through existing commissary systems

• Impact measurement and reporting for CSR/ESG requirements

• Research collaboration opportunities with academic institutions

• Positive brand association with criminal justice reform

• Potential for government contracts and grants

Partnership Models

Type 1: Product Donation Programs

Direct donation of products for pilot programs in select facilities

Type 2: Subsidized Pricing

Reduced wholesale pricing to enable affordable retail in commissaries

Type 3: Buy-One-Give-One

For every consumer purchase, a product is donated to the program

Type 4: Co-Development

Collaborate on facility-appropriate formulations and packaging

For Other Stakeholders

Correctional Administrators

Partner with us to:

• Reduce dental emergency costs

• Improve facility health metrics

• Enhance rehabilitation programs

• Demonstrate innovation in inmate care

Healthcare Organizations

Join us in:

• Conducting outcome studies

• Providing dental health education

• Training correctional healthcare staff

• Advocating for preventive care policies

Philanthropic Partners

Support this initiative through:

• Direct funding for product subsidies

• Grants for pilot programs

• Support for impact measurement

• Advocacy and awareness campaigns

Academic Institutions

Collaborate on:

• Clinical retrospective studies

• Health outcome research

• Student service-learning opportunities

• Policy recommendation development

Measuring Success

Short-Term Metrics (6-12 months)

• Number of facilities participating

• Products distributed

• Cost reduction achieved

• User satisfaction scores

Medium-Term Outcomes (1-2 years)

• Reduction in cavity rates

• Decreased emergency dental visits

• Improved periodontal health markers

• Healthcare cost savings documented

Long-Term Impact (2+ years)

• System-wide policy changes

• Reduced health disparities

• Improved reintegration outcomes

• Model replication in other states

Implementation Framework

Phase 1: Pilot Programs

• Select 3-5 facilities for initial implementation

• Introduce core preventive products

• Establish baseline health metrics

• Document user feedback and outcomes

Phase 2: Evidence Building

• Expand to 10-15 facilities

• Conduct formal health outcome studies

• Refine product selection and education materials

• Build case for system-wide adoption

Phase 3: Scale and Sustainability

• System-wide implementation

• Policy advocacy for preventive care standards

• Replication toolkit for other states

• Long-term sustainability planning

The Opportunity

This initiative represents more than charity, it's an opportunity to:

• Demonstrate Product Efficacy in challenging real-world conditions

• Build Brand Loyalty among millions of consumers and their families

• Lead Industry Innovation in serving vulnerable populations

• Generate Meaningful Impact Data for stakeholders and investors

• Influence Policy toward prevention-focused healthcare

• Create Systemic Change in how we approach correctional health

Security and Practical Considerations

We understand the unique requirements of correctional facilities:

Product Requirements

• Travel-sized packaging (under 3 oz preferred)

• No glass containers

• Clear ingredient labeling

• Shelf-stable formulations

• Multiple flavor options to accommodate preferences

Cultural Sensitivity

• Vegan/vegetarian options

• Halal and Kosher considerations

• Alcohol-free formulations

• Allergen awareness

Join Us in Creating Change

Every person deserves access to basic preventive healthcare, including oral care. By working together, we can:

• Transform the oral health of millions

• Reduce healthcare costs system-wide

• Support successful reintegration

• Break cycles of poor health

• Demonstrate that prevention works

Together, we can prove that small changes in prevention create massive impacts in health outcomes.

Get Involved

Whether you're a manufacturer of innovative oral care products, a healthcare organization, a correctional administrator, an inmate, or a concerned citizen; there is a place for you in this initiative.

We're particularly interested in connecting with:

• Manufacturers of evidence-based oral care products

• Organizations committed to health equity

• Foundations focused on criminal justice reform

• Healthcare professionals passionate about prevention

• Anyone who believes in second chances

Every cavity prevented is a step toward dignity, health, and successful reintegration.

Contact Us

Ready to make a difference? We'd love to discuss how your organization can contribute to transforming oral health in America's correctional facilities.

info@TheCadeMooreFoundation.org

"In a world where we can regenerate tooth enamel with science, no one should suffer from preventable dental disease simply because of their circumstances."