As Kentuckians across the state welcome warmer weather and summer break, KYA is also taking time to celebrate Oral Health Month throughout June. Oral Health Month is a time to recognize the importance of oral health and build awareness of positive oral health habits and outcomes.
This means not only engaging in positive oral health behaviors like daily brushing and flossing, and regularly visiting a dentist, but also understanding trends and advocating for policies that make oral health care more accessible and affordable for kids and families.
Consider the following ways to take action this month and throughout the year:
- Learn more about the most recent data on oral health outcomes in Kentucky. The 2023 Kentucky Early Learner’s Oral Health Survey found that children in Kentucky show an alarming rate of “dental poverty,” with rates of caries and untreated decay much higher than the national average.
- Check out a recent blog post on federal budget proposals on Medicaid and SNAP and their expected impact on oral health care access and coverage in Kentucky.
- Become a member of the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition (KOHC), sign up to receive monthly newsletters, and register for upcoming coalition meetings.
- Access KOHC’s Oral Health Resource Hub to find educational materials, state and national oral health resources, recent data reports, and more.
Oral health means much more than just a beautiful smile – it plays a key role in overall health and Kentuckians’ ability to eat, work, learn, and play. Join KYA in celebrating Oral Health Month by understanding the current landscape in oral health access and outcomes and taking action.
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