What is a Statewide Oral Health Needs Assessment?

The South Carolina Dental Practice Act 2003 established the South Carolina Department of Public Health's (formally DHEC) role in coordination of a public health dental prevention program using public-private partnerships to deliver preventive dental services in public health settings including schools that address the needs of priority populations identified by DPH using standard public health principles. Section 40-15-110 of the Dental Practice Act refers to DPH and the delivery of preventive dental services through a public health dental prevention program.

Updated: Jan. 9, 2026

What is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, soil and rocks. Fluoride helps keep our teeth strong and free from cavities. In some areas, fluoride occurs naturally in the water supply, but in most areas, fluoride needs to be added to reach a level that is beneficial.

What is a Central Cancer Registry?

A central cancer registry is a data system that collects, stores, analyzes, and interprets cancer data from a defined geographical area. The basic information comes from patients' medical records. All names and data that could identify a patient are kept confidential.
For every cancer case, the registry includes:

Training

This is a growing list of online training for cancer and other chronic disease education from leading experts including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Cancer Institute (NCI), American Cancer Society (ACS) and others.

What is lung cancer?

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the lungs, it is called lung cancer.

Lung cancer begins in the lungs and may spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body, such as the brain. Cancer from other organs also may spread to the lungs. When cancer cells spread from one organ to another, they are called metastases. 

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cancer is a disease that causes cells in the body to divide and grow out of control. When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (or womb). The cervix connects the vagina (the birth canal) to the lower part of the uterus. Cancer cells in the cervix may grow into surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. All women are at risk for cervical cancer.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in South Carolina. It's the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the state.