The month of October is especially busy this year. There are fall celebrations to prepare for, many children are in a virtual, hybrid, or in-person class setting, it's a presidential election year, and football is back! While many of us are decorating in a ghoulish manner and enjoying pumpkin spice everything, October is National Dental Hygiene Month and serves as an important reminder to make time for diligent dental hygiene practice even when life is [...]

Kentucky Oral Health Coalition is dedicated to advancing oral health literacy among all Kentuckians. This year, we partnered with the Kentucky Beverage Association to learn more about parents’ beliefs and knowledge about oral health care for their children. KOHC hosted three focus groups in March 2020 with parents from Eastern Kentucky, Western Kentucky, and West Louisville to talk about their children’s oral health care. KOHC also surveyed oral health, primary care, and school professionals to [...]

Everyone has a role in preventing child abuse and neglect. In Kentucky, every adult is a mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect. Oral health professionals are in a unique position to recognize and report signs of abuse and neglect during their dental exams and procedures as it is estimated over 50% of injuries from child abuse occur on the head and neck. Knowing and recognizing the signs is the first step in helping keep [...]

There is nothing quite like the love of a grandparent! They give great hugs, are enthusiastic storytellers, and are eager to lend an ear. September is the month we celebrate grandparents and let them know they are appreciated with abundance! It is also an opportune time to talk about the importance of older adult oral health education and the benefits of maintaining good oral health habits from the age of 65 and beyond.  By 2060, [...]

What’s new among the growing number of reasons to quit vaping? Your oral health. New research highlights the negative effect of vaping on oral health. Recent studies indicate that the impacts of vaping begin right when the toxins enter in the mouth. Dentists are concerned about the long-term effects that e-cigarette use can have on oral health, as they report seeing dental issues such as gum disease in younger patients. Vaping can also cause additional [...]

It’s almost back to school time! Back to school has always been one of my favorite times of the year. I confess I am a school supply hoarder. I love the smell, the textures, and the hope that new school supplies inspire. The beginning of the school year is a chance at a new beginning. Many children will celebrate a new beginning milestone this year and attend their first day of kindergarten. Parents and caregivers [...]

As we move through the summer months and families begin preparing for back-to-school, many questions and answers still remain. What we do know is that this upcoming school year will bring new challenges, experiences, and opportunities for Kentucky students. One opportunity Kentucky schools can leverage is utilizing the Expanded Access Services program to recognize and address the social and emotional supports students need as they begin the new school year. During the 2019-2020 school year, the Cabinet [...]

  The Kentucky Oral Health Coalition is proud of our accomplishments this past year. As we prepare for the annual KOHC June membership drive during Oral Health Month it seems fitting to reflect on achievements in the 2019-2020 membership year.  Starting off the membership year, KOHC collected responses to a short survey during Summer 2019 to determine dental professionals’ knowledge around child abuse and neglect. View survey findings here. Last fall former Governor Bevin, Mayor [...]

One of the core functions of KOHC is advocating for policies and budget priorities that are good for oral health in Kentucky. During the 2020 legislative session, KOHC had several wins to celebrate among our policy and budget priorities. Senate Bill 45 – strengthen licensed child care program standards on healthy eating and drinking, active play, and screen time. Senate Bill 56 – ensure Kentucky complies with the federal minimum legal sale age for all tobacco products [...]

Dental offices in Kentucky are preparing to reopen for non-emergent care following Governor Beshear’s executive order on April 27th. This order does not require any dental office to reopen and encourages offices to take their time to ensure they can meet the safety requirements before scheduling non-emergent patient care. Changes to dental offices around the state may bring uncertainty on how to prepare for dental visits. KOHC along with Kentucky Dental Association and Kentucky Dental [...]