As we enter week two of Dental Hygiene Month, KOHC is highlighting the importance of treating the whole person. And, to treat the whole person, our health system needs to recognize and bridge the silos between medical care and dental care. We know there is a strong connection between good oral health and overall health. The mouth acts as a gateway to the rest of the body and can be an indicator for other health [...]

As we move into fall, pumpkins and ghosts are popping up everywhere, but there’s more to celebrate in October than just Halloween. KOHC is excited to take part in recognizing October as National Dental Hygiene Month. This month is an opportunity to promote good dental hygiene for individuals of all ages and recognize the important role that dental hygienists play as part of the health team and community.   KOHC is celebrating National Dental Hygiene [...]

KOHC believes that everyone deserves to have access to the oral health care that they need. However, many adults do not have dental benefits, including those on Medicare – the federal insurance program for individuals with a disability or over age 65. Right now, legislation is moving forward in the House and being negotiated in the Senate to provide funding for a dental benefit to those on Medicare Part B, but we need your support! [...]

As we continue to navigate the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity remains a challenge that many Americans are facing. September is Hunger Awareness Month, offering a chance to reflect on the hunger rates among children and their families, and explore the opportunities for policy changes that will support all Americans in accessing healthy food for their families. Throughout the pandemic, the US Census Bureau has been collecting weekly data on food security through [...]

If you missed Grandparent’s Day September 12th, it’s not too late to Do Something Grand! What better way to continue the celebration than coming together as we commemorate Intergenerational Month throughout September! Together, adults and youth can reach out to decision-makers and begin one of the most important dialogues in our history: discussing how, as a country, we can address the many challenges facing senior citizens - from health and wellness to financial stability. One [...]

Pregnancy is a time that brings many changes for women but one thing that should not change during pregnancy is maintaining optimal oral health. Even before a child is born, their oral health is linked to the oral health of their mother which is why taking care of your teeth during pregnancy is so important. Children of mothers with high levels of untreated cavities and tooth loss are three times more likely to have cavities [...]

Keeping kids safe is an adult responsibility. Sharing information about recognizing child abuse and neglect equips adults with the knowledge and tools needed to understand the warning signs, how to report suspicious bruising, and ways to support families to prevent it from happening in the first place. Oral health professionals play a unique and important role in the prevention, recognition, and reporting of child maltreatment.  This October, the Kosair Charities Face It Movement is once [...]

  Hello, I am Jennifer Hasch, Kentucky Oral Health Coalition (KOHC) Member and Dental Director for Shawnee Christian Healthcare Center where we serve our neighbors of all ages and children in 10 school-based dental programs. My participation in foreign dental missions contributes to my recognition of the global similarities to Kentucky’s poorest populations. I am passionate about access to care and public health dentistry within Kentucky. 2020 was a rough year. Fortunately, KOHC had my [...]

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that programs such as Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) have been successful in providing students and their families with needed grocery money while students were learning from home throughout the 2020-2021 school year. We are excited to announce that the Cabinet for Health and Family Services has received approval to issue P-EBT benefits to eligible children ages 0-5 and summer EBT benefits for eligible children ages 0-5 and those in school. [...]

Formulate a back to school good oral health plan and your child will enter school in good form!  Summer break will soon be over and it will be time to return to school! Parents and caregivers are preparing to get school supplies together and fill out all of the necessary health forms. For Kentucky children attending school for the first time as kindergartners, the dental screening or exam form is mandatory. Requirements were passed to [...]