Along with bringing a first glimpse of warmer temperatures, February is also the time to spread awareness about National Children’s Dental Health Month. Every child deserves a healthy smile so they can talk, eat, and learn without pain.

In Kentucky, limited access to oral health care creates a barrier for many kids and families to achieve optimal outcomes. Recent data shows that despite high rates of health insurance coverage among Kentucky kids, less than half of those on Medicaid or KCHIP are seeing a dentist regularly. These barriers, along with other factors, such as gaps in oral health education, and habits like poor nutrition and home oral health care, contribute to Kentucky seeing rates of decay in young children higher than the national average. 

Despite the current landscape for oral health in the Commonwealth, there are steps you can take this month and beyond to encourage optimal oral health and access to care among Kentucky kids. 

Advocate for policies that are good for oral health

In Frankfort, the General Assembly is once again aiming to make community water fluoridation programs optional. Water fluoridation is a critical tool to provide preventive care, especially in regions of the state with limited access to dental providers. 

Learn more and contact your state Senator and Representative asking them to protect vital community water fluoridation programs. 

Learn more about supporting optimal oral health from the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition (KOHC)

  • KOHC’s blog highlights important issues in oral health, tips for supporting kids’ oral hygiene at home, spotlights of work being done around the state, and more. 
  • The Oral Health Resource Hub includes the latest data and research, educational resources, state and national organizations working on oral health, and more. 

Oral health is a critical part of overall health, and establishing optimal oral health habits and outcomes early sets kids up for a lifetime of success. Everyone can play a role in improving oral health outcomes for Kentucky kids – whether it’s advocating for policies in Frankfort, supporting a child in your own life with their oral health, or sharing resources with a parent in your network. 

Join Kentucky Youth Advocates as we take action during National Children’s Dental Health Month in February, and beyond.