We know there is a strong connection between good oral health and overall health, and KOHC has continued to advocate for a more integrated approach to medical and dental care. Integrating dental and medical care for children can improve health outcomes because tooth decay has been linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other adverse medical conditions. A recent study examining well-child visits and preventative dental visits showed that Medicaid-enrolled children who received an oral examination [...]

  March is National Nutrition Month and KOHC is excited to celebrate alongside our members, advocates, and the community. Research shows that food and beverage choices are important factors for healthy growth and development, and maintaining good oral health. KOHC promotes optimal oral health throughout the lifetime, but we know that health habits learned early on can lead to healthy choices in adulthood. One of KOHC’s 2020 legislative priorities related to nutrition – health standards in [...]

March is a hopeful month, it marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The long, sunshine filled days are an irresistible motivator for a fresh start! It is also a significant month for the dental community. Every year since 1977, the first full week in March has been designated by the American Dental Assistance Association to celebrate Dental Assistants Recognition Week. This year the celebration will be held March 7 - 13, [...]

This post originally appeared as an op-ed in the Herald Leader February 25, 2021. By Dr. Stephanie Poynter It is no secret that Kentucky has historically had a poor reputation when it comes to our dental health. In a recent study ranking states with the best and worst dental health, the Commonwealth ranked 41st in the nation in indicators of dental wellness. We have among the lowest dentists per capita, highest sugar-sweetened beverages consumption, and highest percentage of [...]

As a state, Kentucky has historically had a reputation for poor oral health. A recent study ranked Kentucky 41st in the US for overall dental health based on factors such as dental habits and care, and oral health. Although Kentucky was found to be in the top five for lowest dental costs, we fell in the bottom five for dentists per capita, highlighting the need for more dental providers throughout the state to increase access [...]

By: Dr. Justin Whitney My wife and I have two small kids under the age of four. One thing I have learned as a parent is sometimes children just don’t want to brush their teeth. Sometimes it is as easy as it can be, while other times I think I’m going to start a wrestling match. However, did you know that doing just a few simple things can really help them and you a ton? [...]

As we kick off Children’s Dental Health Month 2021, KOHC is excited to highlight different oral health topics each week for Coalition members, professionals, and community members. This week is all about healthy drink choices to maintain a healthy mouth. We know that parents and their children have a lot of choices for drinks to sip throughout the day, but some are much healthier than others. Options like soda and sports drinks contain high levels [...]

February might be known for Valentine’s Day, but it’s also National Children’s Dental Health Month. The American Dental Association is promoting the benefits of drinking fluoridated tap water throughout this month-long celebration. Kentucky Oral Health Coalition (KOHC) is teaming up with professionals, parents, and members of the community to teach children about the importance of maintaining good oral health habits, how to practice oral hygiene, and how maintaining oral health can lead to improved overall [...]

  In less than two weeks, Kentucky Oral Health Coalition along with advocates from across the state will unite to raise their voices on behalf of children’s safety, health, education, and economic well-being at Children’s Advocacy Week. This year the 17th annual gathering hosted by Kentucky Youth Advocates (KYA) will be held virtually February 1 - 5. KOHC supports the health policies and budget priorities on the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children. Among these priorities is [...]

January 1st marked the start of new Medicaid plans for 2021. This year, there are several changes and updates to the Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) providing health, behavioral health, and oral health coverage for Kentuckians.  A new MCO, United Healthcare, has been approved and began providing coverage in 2021. Any new Medicaid members who did not select an MCO have been automatically assigned to United Healthcare. United Healthcare has also been designated as the primary [...]