University of Kentucky first year dental students are a part of the #KySmileTeam.

University of Kentucky’s first year dental students are a part of the #KySmileTeam.

The holiday season brings about many reasons for families to smile, from holiday light displays to opening gifts. Oral health and the holidays are even celebrated in the song “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth.” But many Kentuckians don’t have perfect smiles this holiday season.

You are in the unique position to influence health outcomes by becoming an oral health advocate and a Kentucky Oral Health Coalition (KOHC) member. You can have the opportunity as a member of KOHC to be a part of a growing and diverse network of stakeholders from various professions and backgrounds. KOHC members strive to improve oral health through systemic policy change, outreach, and education. As part of the effort, you can make a difference in Kentuckians’ oral and overall health.

Members are encouraged to promote KOHC and events through social media outlets (Facebook,Twitter, or Pinterest), share KOHC promotional materials (infographics, brochures, and pens) with interested parties, participate in KOHC work groups (Oral Health Literacy, School-Based Oral Health, and Medicaid Work Group), and attend the annual KOHC meeting in 2015. Membership also offers an opportunity for individual or organization opportunities to promote their work and share ideas or priorities. We understand that committing to all of these parts is not feasible, but any involvement is welcomed!

University of Louisville’s first year dental students are a part of the #KySmileTeam.

Joining Kentucky Oral Health Coalition’s Kentucky Smile Team strengthens the oral health network in Kentucky while simultaneously strengthening yours. Consider joining the coalition and promoting KOHC’s hashtag, #KYSmileTeam, on your social media sites. Don’t forget to tag us when using #Kysmileteam. Just visit KOHC’s membership page to sign up!

Please contact Mahak Kalra at mkalra@kyyouth.org with any questions about membership, promotional materials, and KOHC in general.

Happy Holidays!