Delta Dental of Kentucky Invests in Regional Oral Health Coalitions Across the Commonwealth

By |2018-04-18T14:19:12-04:00April 18th, 2018|Blog|

Delta Dental of Kentucky is investing in four regions across Kentucky to help improve oral health among children in the Commonwealth. Each region within the state has a unique set of oral health outcomes, and these regional investments provide a localized solution to improving the oral health status of children in each community. This program is the result of state research findings published in the Making Smiles Happen: 2016 Oral Health Study of Kentucky’s Youth. Delta Dental of Kentucky partnered with Kentucky Youth Advocates to develop the regional networks. Read more about each region’s oral health initiative below:

Eastern Regional Oral Health Coalition

The eastern region’s initiative, The OAK Project, will help improve oral health outcomes in children ages 6-9 by refining access to urgent dental care, treating existing tooth decay, and increasing the baseline of dental sealants across the region through the development of data and training infrastructures.

“Thanks to the vision and support of Delta Dental of Kentucky, we’re bringing innovative and creative health solutions to patients in eastern Kentucky,” said Dr. Nikki Stone, regional leader and facilitator of the OAK Project. “We have an obligation to care for the needs of Kentucky’s children, and we’re looking forward to the positive outcomes this program will provide.”

Eastern Press Release

Eastern Proposal

Louisville Regional Oral Health Coalition

The Louisville region’s initiative, United for Kids’ Smiles, will help improve oral health outcomes in children ages 0-6 by bridging the gap between medical and dental providers, education on preventative care, and expanding fluoride varnish utilization in pediatric primary care settings.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to improve the oral health of children in our community,” said Lynnie Meyer, chief development officer, Norton Healthcare. “We appreciate Delta Dental of Kentucky for teaming up with Norton Children’s Prevention & Wellness to make a difference.”

Louisville Press Release

Louisville Proposal

Northern Regional Oral Health Coalition

The northern region’s initiative will help improve oral health outcomes in children by utilizing fluoride varnish treatments and in increasing oral health literacy in the community.

“Thanks to the vision and support of Delta Dental of Kentucky, we’re bringing innovative and creative health solutions to patients in the northern Kentucky area,” said Linda Poynter, PHRDH, BS, facilitator of the Northern Region Oral Health Partnership. “We have an opportunity to address the needs of Kentucky’s children, and we’re looking forward to the positive outcomes this program will provide.”

Northern Press Release

Northern Proposal

Western Regional Oral Health Coalition

The western region’s initiative will help improve oral health outcomes in children by training and educating regional dental providers, increasing the use of teledentistry, and investing in dental care for uninsured children.

“We have an obligation to address the care needs of children identified at risk following the Making Smiles Happen Surveillance Project. We are optimistic that this project will improve upon the great work already happening to improve the smiles of the children and families in our region,” said Dr. Laura Hancock Jones, facilitator of the Western Region Oral Health Coalition.

Western Press Release

Western Proposal

Learn more about the Delta Dental of Kentucky Making Smiles Happen 2016 study and regional oral health coalitions at kentuckyoralhealth.com.

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