Throughout February, we are celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), established by American Dental Association (ADA) and the ADA Foundation.  The celebration allows local communities, parents, and health care professionals to place emphasis on children’s oral health and best practices.  Often times, children, especially, need encouragement and reminding when it comes to cleaning and taking care of their teeth. Parents and caregivers can show kids fun and interactive ways that brushing for two minutes [...]

February is more than the month of love. It’s also a month when thousands celebrate the smiles of children across the nation. National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), established by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the ADA Foundation, brings together dedicated dental professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers, and many others. This year’s NCDHM campaign slogan is “Choose Tap Water for a [...]

During the FDI World Dental Federation General Assembly this past fall, a new definition of oral health was approved. Previously, there was room for the definition to be modified depending on the individuals or organizations impacted. Now, the new definition acknowledges the multifaceted nature and attributes of oral health and unites patients, health care professionals, policy makers, and other oral health stakeholders on how to best advocate for oral health. Oral health is now defined [...]

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 [...]

2017 Open Enrollment Period for health insurance begins November 1, 2016!  Let’s make sure everyone who is eligible signs up for health insurance. Also beginning November 1st is National Adoption Month, and we must remember those children whom were never adopted. Compared to youth in permanent families, youth who age out of foster care have disproportionately high rates of serious physical, mental, and behavioral health issues. They are more likely to have health issues that [...]

Kentucky Youth Advocates is excited to co-release a new study today in partnership with Delta Dental of Kentucky. The report Making Smiles Happen: 2016 Oral Health Study of Kentucky’s Youth presents findings of the first oral health surveillance study of Kentucky children in 15 years. The report was released today at the Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare in Frankfort, Kentucky. We extend gratitude and appreciation to Delta Dental of Kentucky for being the [...]

As advocates for children and families in Kentucky, we know that all children need access to affordable health care to help make sure they stay healthy. We are watching the transition from kynect to the federal health care exchange (known as healthcare.gov) closely to understand what it means for Kentucky kids and families. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently sent a letter to Governor Bevin’s Administration in which they come to an [...]