Kentucky Oral Health Coalition

09/04/2026

"A stronger dental workforce means more opportunities for preventive care, earlier treatment, and healthier smiles. It means working toward a future in which geography does not determine whether a child can access the oral health care needed to learn, grow, and thrive."

In our guest blog, Dr. Jill Keaton, Dean of University of Pikeville Tanner College of Dental Medicine, shares the importance of local workforce: https://kyoralhealthcoalition.org/guest-blog-a-white-coat-a-new-beginning-and-a-healthier-future-for-kentuckys-children/

08/27/2026

As the students across the state are officially back in school, we would like to share our small part in helping some students get oral health care resources. This summer we tabled at La Casita Center's Back to School event, offering dental kits and oral health education materials in Spanish.

These resources are also available on our resource hub for all oral health advocates: https://kyoralhealthcoalition.org/resources/

08/24/2026

Register now for our September Quarterly Meeting!

We invite all oral health advocates and professionals to join Kentucky Oral Health Coalition for a virtual quarterly meeting on September 25th, 2026 at 10AM-12PM EST. KOHC quarterly meetings serve as dedicated virtual convenings to learn about policy-related news and hear updates from the coalition and its members about the oral health work happening across the Commonwealth. Dental CEUs are available for this meeting for KOHC members.

Register: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/kentuckyoralhealthcoaltion/event/kohcseptemberquarterlymeeting26/

08/21/2026

Kentucky’s Kindergarteners are Missing out on Required Dental Screenings🦷

In our last June Quarterly Meeting we were joined by Karena Cash, Data and Research Director for Kentucky Youth Advocates, who shared concerning data on oral health screenings among Kentucky’s kindergarteners. Under Kentucky law, children entering public kindergarten are required to have a dental screening or exam on file. Yet in the 2024–25 school year, only 39% of Kentucky kindergarteners received a dental screening. Read more in our latest blog on the current available data and what does that mean the state of Kentucky kid's smiles: https://kyoralhealthcoalition.org/kentuckys-kindergarteners-are-missing-out-on-required-dental-screenings/

08/07/2026

Mark your calendars!

KOHC has officially announced our next quarterly meeting on September 25th at 10am-12pm EST. Dental and dental hygiene CEUs will be available to KOHC members. Registration and agenda will be announced soon, be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on socials.

07/08/2026

Guest Blog: KOHC at the National Oral Health Conference

Jennifer Harrison, MPH, RDH, representing KOHC's steering committee attended the National Oral Health Conference this year in Oklahoma City. At this conference, the palpable energy and intellect from presenters motivated the connection amongst attendees.

"From research posters to continuing education courses we learned about CHW integration, the impact potential of state Medicaid dental directors, community engagement, value-based care models, and more." Read more from Jennifer in our latest blog: https://bit.ly/3TnIUQT

06/23/2026

Frequently Asked Questions for Fluoride in Kentucky.🦷

As oral health professionals and advocates, we all play a role in helping communities access evidence-based information. Community water fluoridation remains one of the most effective and equitable tools for improve oral health outcomes.

Download a Printable PDF from our Resource Hub: https://kyoralhealthcoalition.org/resources/

06/19/2026

Access to oral health care changes lives.

We're inspired by the SHARE Center's new dental clinic in Lexington, as they support uninsured residents in their community to take charge of their oral health. This truly is equity in action. Congratulations on their grand opening!

The SHARE Center in Lexington is bridging the gap in oral health care access for uninsured residents while also helping formerly incarcerated people reintegrate into society.

06/18/2026

Sharing from our partners at Kentucky Dental Hygienists' Association

Kindergarten Screenings in Lexington on June 27th.

Dental screenings are required to begin kindergarten, yet we know the barrier to receive this care is high. We are happy to share a community-wide event for any child entering Kindergarten in the Fall 2026 school year. Please share and help families know of this upcoming event!

06/12/2026

June marks not only the start of summer but also National Oral Health Month! From sleeping in on lazy mornings to busy days on vacation, at camp, or playing sports, maintaining consistent oral hygiene can become a challenge. But keeping your mouth healthy doesn’t have to interrupt the fun. Follow these tips to enjoy a summer of healthy smiles in our latest blog.

https://bit.ly/4edDPBH

June marks not only the start of summer but also National Oral Health Month! From sleeping in on lazy mornings to busy days on vacation, at camp, or playing sports, maintaining consistent oral hygiene can become a challenge. But keeping your mouth healthy doesn’t have to interrupt the fun. Follow ...