The Center for Health Workforce Studies (CHWS) at the University of Albany has issued two reports concerning oral health in Kentucky.  The first report summarizes interviews conducted with oral health stakeholders across the state in order to better understand the barriers and facilitators to accessing oral health care services.  The second is a technical report consisting of an extensive literature review and an analysis of existing data, which is intended to identify current and past initiatives to improve access [...]

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). Each year during the month of February, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the ADA Foundation team up to provide a new NCDHM campaign. The campaign for 2016 is the “Sugar Wars.” Dental and healthcare professionals, educators, advocates, and caregivers are encouraged to join the fight against the “sweet tooth invaders,” and teach children healthy oral hygiene and eating habits. Many resources are available to help spread [...]

  The keynote speaker, Dr. Michael Glick, reviewing the connections between oral infections and general health   On Friday, November 20, 2015, the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition (KOHC) held the first statewide oral health summit in the state in nearly four years. The theme of this year’s summit was “Reconnect, Evaluate, and Look Forward.” Throughout the day, summit participants had the opportunity to learn and share information, network, and work with fellow oral health advocates [...]

Over 200 oral health advocates came together to share information, learn, network, and have a dialogue to prioritize public policy efforts at the 2015 Kentucky Oral Health Summit on November 20th.  The objectives for this summit were to share an understanding of Kentucky’s oral health policy and initiatives, to improve collaboration and communication among oral health advocates and development of policy solutions to improve oral health in Kentucky. Below you will find conference presentations and [...]

After the Oral Health 2020 National Network Gathering a month ago, it’s time to reflect on the progress this initiative has made since launching last year. We are proud partners in this network and are moving forward to achieve these bold goals by 2020.  Oral Health 2020 is an effort to strengthen and unify the oral health network, build upon current initiative strategies, and expand impact. Oral Health 2020 investments are structured around the realization of a vision for improved oral health: “to [...]

National Brush Day is celebrated on November 1st of each year – the day after Halloween - and is a great time to discuss the importance of dental hygiene. The American Dental Association has developed the following “tricks” to help perfect your or your child’s brushing technique: Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes. Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, [...]

The 2015 Kentucky Oral Health Summit is just a few short weeks away and we would love for you to join us! As part of its ongoing efforts to improve oral health care and access, the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition (KOHC), in collaboration with its partners from across the state, will host a statewide oral health summit on November 20, 2015 at the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville. This event is FREE for all. CEU’s will be available for [...]

October is Health Literacy Month, which is the perfect time to focus on the health and oral health of Kentucky’s children and families. Oral health is a key component of overall health and wellness, but it remains an issue of concern for many Kentucky families: According to PEW Center of States, Kentucky received a “C” grade in providing oral health care to children and a “D” grade in overall oral health prevention. Nearly 43% of [...]

By Bill Buchanan Each year children arrive at school with a wide range of academic and developmental needs, skills, and abilities. This variability should be nurtured and valued as we help students transition into kindergarten, a starting point for academic success in elementary school and beyond. Understanding the connection between readiness and health can help us improve the outcomes for all of Kentucky’s young children. Kentucky Oral Health Coalition (KOHC) members recently discussed the connection [...]

During pregnancy, women have many things to think about, but it’s also important for them to “think teeth.” The health of a woman’s teeth is actually linked to the health of her child. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has an excellent, free-to-order flyer that can be used by dental clinics, community health centers, WIC clinics, and other settings to educate women about protecting their teeth and gums. Education is crucial because four out [...]