As February and Children’s Dental Health Month come to a close, we’re reminded that oral health needs to be a priority every month. Good oral health habits and regular visits to their dentist can give kids the strong start they need to have healthy teeth and gums going into adulthood. Pain from dental problems is a leading cause of school absences in Kentucky. Knowing this and that half of second graders in Kentucky are affected [...]

Every February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month with a goal to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. The ADA, in collaboration with dental professionals, health care providers, and oral heath advocates, has worked consistently to spread the message of the importance of children’s oral health to communities across the country. Kentucky's State Legislature also took part in recognizing the importance of children's oral health. House Resolution 61, [...]

Oral health disparities in Kentucky drive the work of the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition and its three workgroups. High cost of care, lack of prevention, and limited access to dental professionals remain among the top reasons Kentuckians historically have not maintained optimal oral health. But, how do we show the extent of disparities in the state? The answer is simple, yet can be complicated: data. In a recent webinar presented by the DentaQuest South/Southeast Regional [...]

Children’s oral health is a pressing issue in Kentucky. Oral health care is integral to overall health and wellness and affects a child’s success in learning and job prospects later in life. Understanding how Kentucky’s children, specifically those on Medicaid, fare in their oral health can help build the case for increased access to oral health care services and education. In partnership with George Washington University, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently published the [...]