Oral health professionals within state-sponsored medical response teams: the IMERT perspective.

In 1999, the State of Illinois recognized the need for a trained and credentialed medical response that can respond to any disaster within the state and will bring health professionals, logistical support, supplies, and equipment to assist local providers when their resources are overwhelmed. The following article reflects on the historical background of the Illinois medical emergency response team, its team development, partnerships, activations, and future directions with the integration of oral health care professionals as a vital resource for emergency response.