This week kicks off National Hispanic Heritage Month, an annual celebration to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success. This month is an excellent time to learn more about Hispanic heritage, continued challenges for this population, and actions steps we can take to address disparities and achieve health equity. We know that Hispanic Americans have faced many challenges to achieving optimal oral health and overall health. [...]

September is Dental Infection Control Awareness Month, an opportunity to learn more about the critical steps oral health professionals take to keep patients safe every day. Infection control is an important part of the work oral health professionals do and has been even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the onset of the pandemic, the infection control procedures in dental offices looked a bit different but keeping patients safe has always been an [...]

Update: On November 1, 2022 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the final rule on the 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, which will include medically necessary dental coverage. We applaud CMS for this inclusion and for prioritizing medically necessary dental care for older adults and individuals with disabilities.    The Kentucky Oral Health Coalition (KOHC) – which is comprised of over 450 members and oral health stakeholders that engage with the Coalition [...]

August 22 is Tooth Fairy Day, a great time to talk to children in your life about their oral health habits and how to take care of their mouth and teeth. The tooth fairy has long been a tradition for many caregivers to get little ones excited about losing a tooth and earning some extra money or a small gift. Every year, Dental Dental conducts the Original Tooth Fairy Poll® as a fun way to [...]

Register for a FREE virtual training on Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma specialized for Oral Health Professionals on Friday, Oct 7, 10 AM - 12 PM ET with Carla Hay, MSN, RN, SANE. Free CEUs are available for dentists and dental hygienists. Already taken this training? We are partnering with Delta Dental of Kentucky to develop the next level training to build on your knowledge.  We want to hear from you about your training interests and [...]

Each year, the Kids Count Data Book is published by Annie E. Casey Foundation, allowing us to compare how our youth are faring compared to other children nationwide. This year, some specific areas of interest were highlighted, including the mental health of our youth. The spotlight on youth mental health has only brightened in recent years, with increasing concern around the pandemic’s impacts on anxiety and depression.  The rise in concerns around youth mental health [...]

August is National Breastfeeding Month, an opportunity to learn about the benefits of breastfeeding and how to keep mom and baby healthy. Breastfeeding is recommended for new mothers to feed their babies in the early weeks and months of their baby’s life but can be continued for more than one year along with other foods. Breastfeeding offers many benefits including increasing immunity to illness, antibodies passed from mother to baby, and decreased risk of diseases [...]

KOHC has been a longtime advocate for a more integrated approach to medical and dental care because we know there is a strong connection between good oral health and overall health. Integrating dental and medical care can improve health outcomes as tooth decay has been linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other adverse medical conditions. Finding ways to pair medical and dental care for patients can improve overall health outcomes and may look different across [...]

  Last week, KOHC attended the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN) mid-year meeting. OPEN is a national network of over 2,200 members taking on America’s oral health challenges so that everyone has an equitable chance to thrive. Over the last decade, OPEN has emerged from a nationwide conversation among policymakers, providers, public health activists, and grassroots organizers who understand that today’s system of health care isn’t working for everyone’s overall health and well-being. [...]

There is a growing body of research that indicates oral health should be taken seriously as a determinant of overall health. The mouth is a window to the body, one of your best defenses against bacterial infections, with its hygiene linked to diseases such as heart disease and pneumonia. Prioritizing oral health is especially vital in populations with other exacerbating illnesses.    Veterans are an at-risk population, with high rates of diabetes and heart disease, [...]