We know that oral health is an integral part of a child’s development and learning. Kids deserve to play, grow, and learn with a pain-free mouth. Through the years, Kentucky Youth Advocates has had the opportunity to work with several influential leaders, organizations, and businesses across the state to improve Kentucky kids’ oral health. As we celebrate our 40th birthday, we wanted to highlight some of the oral health wins for kids throughout the years. [...]

By Dr. Julia Richerson As a pediatrician, we have the honor of working with families and children as they grow and develop as both children and parents. We develop very strong relationships with the families we work with and try as hard as we can to be a valuable resource to them. We do all of this in brief 10-15 minute visits every few months for the first few years of the child’s life. To [...]

By Tina Agonva-Cason, KYA Staff   So as most of you know, teething can be a challenging time for both parents and baby. I have recently become a mother for the second time, and my son is so different from my daughter! Other than the fact that he is a boy, his personality is so dominating compared to hers. I’m constantly chasing him around the house, cleaning up his path of destruction, and taking things [...]

Throughout February, we are celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), established by American Dental Association (ADA) and the ADA Foundation.  The celebration allows local communities, parents, and health care professionals to place emphasis on children’s oral health and best practices.  Often times, children, especially, need encouragement and reminding when it comes to cleaning and taking care of their teeth. Parents and caregivers can show kids fun and interactive ways that brushing for two minutes [...]

February is more than the month of love. It’s also a month when thousands celebrate the smiles of children across the nation. National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), established by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the ADA Foundation, brings together dedicated dental professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers, and many others. This year’s NCDHM campaign slogan is “Choose Tap Water for a [...]

During the FDI World Dental Federation General Assembly this past fall, a new definition of oral health was approved. Previously, there was room for the definition to be modified depending on the individuals or organizations impacted. Now, the new definition acknowledges the multifaceted nature and attributes of oral health and unites patients, health care professionals, policy makers, and other oral health stakeholders on how to best advocate for oral health. Oral health is now defined [...]

As we begin this new year, many of us set resolutions to improve our health. This year set a goal to have healthier teeth and gums for you and your family! Starting new habits isn’t always easy, but following these simple steps below can lead to big changes in your smile and your family’s health. Visit The Dentist Booking an appointment to see a dentist is one of the most important things you can do [...]

Most kids will tell you the exciting part of Halloween is all of the candy! But with all of that extra candy comes an increased risk of cavities. That’s why on November 1st, we celebrate National Brush Day to discuss the importance of oral hygiene. The holiday aims to reinforce the importance of children’s oral health and promote good tooth-brushing habits. Unfortunately, tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease in the United [...]

A new report, Making Smiles Happen: 2016 Oral Health Study of Kentucky’s Youth, was co-released by Delta Dental of Kentucky and Kentucky Youth Advocates at Wednesday’s Interim Health and Welfare Committee hearing in Frankfort, Kentucky.  This is the first oral health surveillance study of Kentucky children since 2001. We extend gratitude and appreciation to KOHC organizational member, Delta Dental of Kentucky for being the investor and major partner in this important study for children through [...]

When the Bevin Administration released the Section 1115 Medicaid Waiver, Kentucky HEALTH, this summer, we voiced our concern about classifying dental benefits as an earned benefit instead of included in the standard benefits package (as it is currently). The Administration held three public comment periods this summer, and made several adjustments to the waiver, including one that impacts dental coverage, before submitting it to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for approval. The [...]