Most kids will tell you the exciting part of Halloween is all of the candy! But with all of that extra candy comes an increased risk of cavities. That’s why on November 1st, we celebrate National Brush Day to discuss the importance of oral hygiene. The holiday aims to reinforce the importance of children’s oral health and promote good tooth-brushing habits. Unfortunately, tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease in the United [...]

How many times during these hot, humid summer months have you or your children grabbed the first drink you see in your fridge just to quench your thirst? What you may not think about is what you grab to drink can directly affect your health, especially your dental health. National organizations such as Campaign for Dental Health, the School-Based Health Alliance, the Center for Vulnerable Populations, and The Children’s Partnership have joined forces to encourage parents, [...]

Photo courtesy of KET Kentucky Educational Television (KET) recently featured the Health Three60 episode, “The Hidden Life of Your Mouth.” The episode focused on poor oral health as a gateway to systemic health problems, successful school-based prevention programs, and how oral health impacts quality of life and employment. Review highlights and watch the full episode below. Dr. Julie McKee, Kentucky’s state dental director, and Dr. Steve Wrightson, Medical Director of Bluegrass Community Health [...]

Good oral health is an integral component of healthy development and optimal childhood learning. Children free from dental pain and infection can focus on their schooling. Tooth decay and other dental diseases can not only have long-lasting impacts on a child’s ability to learn, but also to speak and eat. That is why the Making Smiles Happen Surveillance Initiative is a critical assessment in monitoring Kentucky children’s oral health status. Conducting a statewide survey of children’s [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

Oral health remains one of the most pressing unmet healthcare needs in Kentucky. 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. Please join us! The 2015 Kentucky Oral Health Summit will bring together hundreds of leaders from diverse fields in the oral health community, [...]