Dental Champions - Oral Health Kansas

Dental Champions - Oral Health Kansas Dental Champions is a leadership program developed by Oral Health Kansas.

The program offers participants leadership and personal development training as well as other training focused on planning and organizational skills and up-to-date information about the oral health scene in Kansas and the nation.

The Conference on Oral Health will be on Friday, November 13 at the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park. This year there ...
09/03/2026

The Conference on Oral Health will be on Friday, November 13 at the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park. This year there will be no virtual option. We’re excited to have everyone in person to join us all day. This allows more opportunities for conversations and networking with people that you may not see in person very often. We’ll have plenary and breakout sessions!

Watch for registration to open next week! The topics you’ll find at our conference include:

• Oral Health Policy and Election Update
• Enhancing Patient-Centered Care with the My Dental Care Passport & Sensory Modifications Guide
• Resilience, Well-Being, and Success in the Workplace
• Building Your Advocacy Skills
• Shifting the Narrative: Amplifying Voices
• The State of Dental Practice: Costs, Insurance, and Access

Yes! CE’s will be offered. You can earn your CE’s in time before you have to renew your license by the end of the year.

https://oralhealthkansas.org/Conference.html

If you have any questions, email Sonia at [email protected]

The Excellence in Oral Health Awards deadline is Friday, September 4 by 5:00pm. Nominate someone for the Excellence in O...
09/02/2026

The Excellence in Oral Health Awards deadline is Friday, September 4 by 5:00pm.

Nominate someone for the Excellence in Oral Health Award or the Ron Alexander Outstanding Dental Champion Award. Email [email protected] with any questions about the awards nominations. Thank you!

https://oralhealthkansas.org/AwardWinners.html

We extended the deadline for the Excellence in Oral Health Awards to Friday, September 4. Get your nominations in before...
08/31/2026

We extended the deadline for the Excellence in Oral Health Awards to Friday, September 4. Get your nominations in before the holiday weekend!

Check out the webpage for the application!

https://www.oralhealthkansas.org/AwardWinners.html

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Did you forget? We haven't! Today is the last day to nominate someone for the Excellence in Oral Health Award! Why not b...
08/28/2026

Did you forget? We haven't! Today is the last day to nominate someone for the Excellence in Oral Health Award! Why not brighten someone's year by nominating them and sharing how their hard work does not go unnoticed. Remember....this is someone who goes beyond what their daily tasks consist of. Can you think of someone who fits the categories below?

Outstanding Organization Award - An organization that is distinguished from others in excellence in promoting oral health awareness in Kansas.

Outstanding Dental Hygienist Award - A dental hygienist that is distinguished from others in excellence, who goes beyond the call of duty and is committed to improving the oral health of Kansans.

Outstanding Dentist Award - A dentist that is distinguished from others in excellence, who goes beyond the call of duty and is committed to improving the oral health of Kansans.

Outstanding Community Leader Award - A community leader that is distinguished from others in excellence, who goes beyond the call of duty and is committed to improving the oral health of Kansans.

Bob Bethell Outstanding Policy Maker Award - An outstanding policy maker that is distinguished from others in excellence, who shows support for the oral health of all Kansans.

Outstanding Oral Health Volunteer Award - An outstanding non-dental volunteer who demonstrates a positive difference in an organization - someone who saw a problem and got involved to find a solution.

Ron Alexander Outstanding Dental Champion Award - This award is designed to recognize the outstanding work a Dental Champion has done as a direct result of participating in the Dental Champions Leadership Program.

Submit the nomination today by 5:00pm!

https://www.oralhealthkansas.org/AwardWinners.html

This week, August 24–29, we celebrate Community Health Worker Week and the important role Community Health Workers (CHWs...
08/28/2026

This week, August 24–29, we celebrate Community Health Worker Week and the important role Community Health Workers (CHWs) play in supporting the health and well-being of their communities.

Have you ever wondered who helps connect people to the resources and support they need to stay healthy? Community Health Workers are trusted members of the communities they serve. They help individuals navigate the health care system, understand health information, connect with community resources, and overcome barriers that may make it difficult to access care.

A CHW’s role can look different depending on the community and organization they work with. They may help someone find a health care provider, schedule appointments, provide health education, connect individuals with transportation or food resources, or help people better understand and manage their health needs.

CHWs can also play an important role in oral health. They can educate individuals and families about the importance of oral health, encourage preventive dental care, help people find a dentist, and connect them with resources such as Medicaid dental benefits. By helping address barriers and make connections, CHWs can be an important part of improving access to dental care and overall health.

As part of our work to support CHWs, Oral Health Kansas created a dental curriculum to help community health workers incorporate oral health education into their work. Abby also attends their monthly educational and billing meetings, providing ongoing oral health education and support and helping CHWs feel more confident addressing oral health with the individuals and families they serve.

This Community Health Worker Week, we recognize and celebrate the CHWs who work every day to connect, educate, advocate, and support individuals and families in their communities. Their work helps bridge the gap between people, health care, and the resources they need to live healthier lives.

(Image description: National Community Health Worker Awareness Week sign, with dates August 24-28).

If you haven’t submitted your nomination for the Excellence in Oral Health Awards, the deadline is Friday, August 28 at ...
08/27/2026

If you haven’t submitted your nomination for the Excellence in Oral Health Awards, the deadline is Friday, August 28 at 5:00pm! Award winners will be announced during the Conference on Oral Health luncheon on Friday, November 13. There are several categories to choose from to honor someone.

•Outstanding Organization Award - An organization that is distinguished from others in excellence in promoting oral health awareness in Kansas.
•Outstanding Dental Hygienist Award - A dental hygienist that is distinguished from others in excellence, who goes beyond the call of duty and is committed to improving the oral health of Kansans.
•Outstanding Dentist Award - A dentist that is distinguished from others in excellence, who goes beyond the call of duty and is committed to improving the oral health of Kansans.
•Outstanding Community Leader Award - A community leader that is distinguished from others in excellence, who goes beyond the call of duty and is committed to improving the oral health of Kansans.
•Bob Bethell Outstanding Policy Maker Award - An outstanding policy maker that is distinguished from others in excellence, who shows support for the oral health of all Kansans.
•Outstanding Oral Health Volunteer Award - An outstanding non-dental volunteer who demonstrates a positive difference in an organization - someone who saw a problem and got involved to find a solution.
•Ron Alexander Outstanding Dental Champion Award - This award is designed to recognize the outstanding work a Dental Champion has done as a direct result of participating in the Dental Champions Leadership Program.

Submit your nominations by Friday, August 28 by 5:00pm. Email [email protected] with any questions about the awards nominations.

https://www.oralhealthkansas.org/AwardWinners.html

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The Shawnee County Oral Health Coalition exhibited at the Community Baby Shower in Topeka, where they visited with about...
08/26/2026

The Shawnee County Oral Health Coalition exhibited at the Community Baby Shower in Topeka, where they visited with about 50 pregnant mothers as well as their partners and family members. The mothers were interested in learning about how to clean a baby’s mouth and when to take a baby to the dentist. Several mothers shared their concerns with morning sickness. We reminded them to not brush their teeth after getting sick because the acid reflux from vomiting could damage tooth enamel and soften the enamel.

It is safe to go to the dentist while pregnant. It’s important to keep your mouth healthy while pregnant to begin good oral health habits for your baby.

Do you know the answers the mothers asked?
1. How to clean a baby’s mouth?
Dampen a small wash cloth with warm water and gently wipe out the baby’s mouth after feedings.
2. When can you take a baby to the dentist?
By the child’s first birthday or after the first tooth erupts. Of course, if you have concerns about your baby’s mouth, you can go in sooner.

You can visit the Consumer Educational Resources webpage for Tips and Tricks on prenatal and infant oral health.
https://www.oralhealthkansas.org/Consumers.html

Interested in learning more about the Shawnee County Oral Health Coalition, reach out to us at [email protected].

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Stuart Little, Ph.D, with Little Government Relations, will be speaking at our Conference on Oral Health this year. We’r...
08/24/2026

Stuart Little, Ph.D, with Little Government Relations, will be speaking at our Conference on Oral Health this year. We’re grateful to have Dr. Little available and share his knowledge with us. He will provide a timely overview of the state and local policy landscape shaping oral health access and outcomes. Attendees will get an update on key legislative developments, Medicaid dental rates along with an analysis of recent state and local elections. This session will offer practical insights for engaging with policymakers and anticipating upcoming legislative opportunities and challenges. You don’t want to miss this opportunity!

The Conference on Oral Health is on Friday, November 13 at the KU Edwards Campus. The event will be all day and CE’s will be provided! Registration will be opening up within the next few weeks.

If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at our conference, you can view the levels here.
https://oralhealthkansas.org/Conference/2026/2026 Conference Sponsorship Invitation.pdf

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The Weekly Wednesday Update has been around for many, many years. Each week we have brought you oral health and health u...
08/23/2026

The Weekly Wednesday Update has been around for many, many years. Each week we have brought you oral health and health updates from around Kansas as well as national news. We share what staff is working on and what’s next.

We want to know your opinion. How often should the Weekly Wednesday Update be distributed? Click the link for the poll question.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WB7BGJZ

The Excellence in Oral Health Award nominations will be coming to a close on Friday, August 28. If you have someone in m...
08/22/2026

The Excellence in Oral Health Award nominations will be coming to a close on Friday, August 28. If you have someone in mind that has done exceptional work to improve the oral health of Kansas, nominate them today. We’re looking for individuals or organizations who have done excellent work beyond their day-to-day role. You may know someone who’s unwavering dedication is making a measurable impact in improving oral health outcomes and that person needs to be recognized!

We’ll honor award winners at the luncheon during the annual Conference on Oral Health on Friday, November 13 at the KU Edwards Campus.

•Outstanding Organization Award - An organization that is distinguished from others in excellence in promoting oral health awareness in Kansas.
•Outstanding Dental Hygienist Award - A dental hygienist that is distinguished from others in excellence, who goes beyond the call of duty and is committed to improving the oral health of Kansans.
•Outstanding Dentist Award - A dentist that is distinguished from others in excellence, who goes beyond the call of duty and is committed to improving the oral health of Kansans.
•Outstanding Community Leader Award - A community leader that is distinguished from others in excellence, who goes beyond the call of duty and is committed to improving the oral health of Kansans.
•Bob Bethell Outstanding Policy Maker Award - An outstanding policy maker that is distinguished from others in excellence, who shows support for the oral health of all Kansans.
•Outstanding Oral Health Volunteer Award - An outstanding non-dental volunteer who demonstrates a positive difference in an organization - someone who saw a problem and got involved to find a solution.
•Ron Alexander Outstanding Dental Champion Award - This award is designed to recognize the outstanding work a Dental Champion has done as a direct result of participating in the Dental Champions Leadership Program.

Submit your nominations by Friday, August 28 by 5:00pm. Email [email protected] with any questions about the awards nominations.
https://www.oralhealthkansas.org/AwardWinners.html

We ask that you do not nominate someone who has won an award in the past to allow everyone an opportunity.

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Address

PO Box 4567
Topeka, KS
66604

Telephone

+17852356069

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