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 [...]

This was originally posted as an op-ed by the Courier Journal, Herald Leader, Kentucky Today, and NKY Tribune. By Dr. Laura Hancock Jones, Dr. Christina Howard, and Keith Inman In the last seven months, Kentuckians have heard a lot about how, even in these unprecedented times of physical distancing, we can come together to help protect our family and neighbors from the spread of COVID-19 and stay connected so no one feels alone. Dr. Laura Hancock Jones [...]

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 [...]

Kentucky Oral Health Coalition is adamant when we assert our mission to improve the oral health of all people of Kentucky. And yet, we know that there are historic racial and systemic challenges in place for us to achieve that mission. Our mission is rooted in the pursuit of equity, including addressing oral health disparities by promoting best practices in oral health, engaging local and state-level community members, and advocating for effective policies to improve [...]

  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 [...]