The Mid-Ohio Valley Oral Health Fund was started in 2011 by Mary Beth Shea, Registered Dental Hygienist and Oral Health Coordinator at the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department (MOVHD). Mary Beth received the Altrusa International of Parkersburg Personal Achievement Award as a Woman of Excellence. The $500 monetary award was designated for a charity of choice. Mary Beth desired to use these funds to establish a permanent fund to support Oral Health Programs through the MOVHD. With the initial $500 award and a $500 match by an anonymous donor/oral health supporter the Mid-Ohio Valley Oral Health Fund was established.

There is such tremendous need for oral health services for the uninsured or underinsured of the Mid-Ohio Valley Region. In response to this need, the MOVHD has initiated a variety of Oral Health Programs including:

Education - Provides oral health education and community outreach across the lifespan to all sectors of the population. Aids low income children and adults in obtaining needed dental treatment.

School-Community Partnership for Children's Oral Health in West Virginia - Provides oral health screenings and preventive dental services of prophylaxis (cleaning), fluoride varnish and dental sealants when appropriate in the 19 Wood County Elementary Schools. Students in grades 2 through 5 are eligible if they have never seen a dentist or have not been to a dentist in 12 or more months. The goals of the program in addition to education and prevention are a positive first dental experience and aid in establishing a dental home. The program is managed by Registered Dental Hygienists that have Public Health Practice Permits through the WV Board of Dental Examiners.

Smiles for Life (SFL) Adult Screening and Referral Program - provides a means for adults 18 and over who meet income guidelines to obtain "most needed" dental treatment. Program goals are to provide a safety net for the uninsured and under insured of the region and to reduce the number of hospital emergency department visits for dental pain and infection. Education is a strong component of the program. SFL was developed in response to the 2009 Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic held at WVU at Parkersburg. SFL is a partnership between MOVHD and the Blennerhassett Dental Society with 23 local dentists currently donating dental treatment.

The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department serves six counties in WV: Calhoun, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt and Wood.