This blog was originally posted by the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition. 

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, when the American Dental Association encourages grownups to spread awareness about the importance of children’s oral health.

Here are 5 things to know about kids’ oral health in Kentucky, along with ways to take action!

 

What To Know: As noted in KOHC’s 2023 Landscape Assessment, fewer than half of Kentucky children on Medicaid or KCHIP received a routine dental visit in 2019.

Take Action: Let your legislators know you support increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for dental providers to expand the Medicaid network for dental care.

 

What To Know: An analysis of Medicaid claims in three states found that children living in communities with fluoridated water had lower treatment costs related to tooth decay than did similar children living in non-fluoridated communities.

Take Action: Let your legislators know you support protection of our community water fluoridation programs.

 

What To Know: Young people who vape are much more likely to become smokers and are at higher risk for becoming dependent on other substances – all of which are detrimental to oral health.

Take Action: Let your legislators know you support reduced youth initiation of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vapes. 

 

What To Know: There are many ways beyond the traditional dental office to help kids get the care they need, including teledentistry and expanding access to school-based providers.

Take Action:  Make a plan to attend the KOHC March Quarterly Meeting on Friday, March 29th from 10am – 12pm EST to hear from expert panelists on finding ways to improve access to care in Kentucky.

 

What To Know: Oral health professionals and advocates throughout Kentucky plan activities for National Children’s Dental Health Month to help instill healthy oral hygiene practices in kids.

Take Action: Let us know your plans to celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month! Get free educational materials for kids from the American Dental Association, the Kentucky Dental Association’s SmileKentucky! Program, or from Norton Children’s Prevention & Wellness Tooth Fairy Tips.