The recent announcement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin the process of banning all menthol flavoring in cigarettes and cigars is a huge step in reducing youth and young adult tobacco addiction, addressing health equity, and improving oral health and overall health outcomes. This announcement ensures that the FDA’s next steps will be establishing rules and an opportunity for public comment on the ban of menthol flavoring in cigarettes and all flavoring [...]

  KOHC is committed to improving the outcomes for all by ensuring equitable access and representation in oral health. We do this by looking at available data to establish the current landscape, identify disparities in oral health, and develop solutions to reduce these disparities. Additionally, we convene oral health advocates and stakeholders to help us advocate for policies that advance oral health in the Commonwealth. The American Dental Association’s Health Policy Institute recently published a series [...]

As we move into a new month and warmer temperatures, KOHC is taking time to celebrate National Dental Care Month in May. This month-long celebration is a chance for oral health professionals, parents, teachers, advocates, and community members to build awareness about the importance of preventive dental care for individuals of all ages. During Dental Care Month everyone can take care of their teeth both at home and at the dental office. Caring for your [...]

Throughout the month of April KOHC has been partnering with Delta Dental of Kentucky and the Face It Movement to recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month. We know that keeping kids safe is an adult responsibility and oral health professionals are in a unique position to recognize and report signs of abuse and neglect as it is estimated that nearly 50% of injuries occur on the head and neck. This month, KOHC launched a new toolkit [...]

KOHC members and stakeholders can enjoy various perks throughout the year by engaging with the Coalition, including attending our quarterly and annual meetings and receiving continued education credits for your attendance. But even between meetings, there are ways members can stay engaged and contribute to the Coalition’s initiatives. Check out these five ways to get involved right now: Help grow the Coalition by recruiting new members to join. KOHC is a multi-sector group including dentists, dental [...]

Led by Volunteers of America Mid-States (VOA) and Shaping our Appalachian Region (SOAR), the Southeastern Kentucky Oral Health Coalition was formed in August 2020 in partnership with the statewide Kentucky Oral Health Coalition, which is a project of Kentucky Youth Advocates. The coalition seeks to convene a diverse group of stakeholders to improve oral health literacy, identify solutions to address access to care, and strategize around policy initiatives specific to the population health care needs [...]

In February, Delta Dental Plans Association released new findings from its Original Tooth Fairy Poll® that show the Tooth Fairy's average cash gift reached its highest point in the 23-year history for a total of $4.70 per tooth. In addition to the poll, Delta Dental collaborated with the Tooth Fairy creating resources guaranteed to make a child’s Tooth Fairy experience extra special. While there is little doubt that receiving money from the Tooth Fairy can [...]

LOUISVILLE, KY – During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are reminded that keeping kids safe is an adult responsibility. In partnership with Delta Dental of Kentucky, the Kosair Charities Face It Movement is launching a new online toolkit for health and oral health professionals with resources and information on recognizing, reporting, and preventing child abuse and neglect in their communities. “Delta Dental of Kentucky is proud to partner with the Kosair Charities’ Face It Movement to equip the dental community, [...]

During a first-of-its-kind legislative session in 2021, the Governor and the Kentucky General Assembly were tasked with crafting a continuation budget, addressing the systemic injustices that impact our children and families of color, advancing policies to address the COVID-19 pandemic, and other policy priorities that would be good for the communities they represent and the Commonwealth. After the final gavel last week, KOHC is reflecting on the policy and budget priorities that were successful during the [...]

Roller coasters are great fun! Unexpected twists and turns along with the anticipation during the ascent ending with a sudden drop are all part of the excitement. School age children and teens have been on a figurative roller coaster for the past year. Students have coped with and adjusted to school cancelations, virtual instruction, hybrid instruction, and traditional classroom instruction. This “back to school” roller coaster has been challenging! Instead of excitement, many families could [...]