Oral Health Kansas

November 3, 2026, is the day to vote in the General Election. Races include governor, a U.S. Senate seat, and other statewide offices. Are you prepared to vote? If you are not registered to vote, you will not be able to vote. October 13 is the deadline to register (or update your registration) for the November 3 General Election. If you've moved, changed your name, or just want to confirm you're registered, find your polling place or view your sample ballot, click https://www.sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html

At our Conference on Oral Health, Mallory Lutz, with Little Government Relations, will be our morning speaker and will share a timely overview of the state and local policy landscape shaping oral health access and outcomes. Attendees will also get an update on key legislative developments.

You still have time to register! https://wichita.irisregistration.com/Form/26OHKAttendee

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We wanted to send a big THANK YOU to our conference planners from Wichita State University. Lauren Fontarum, Riley Walker and James Brewster who have been keeping the balls rolling for us and keeping our heads on straight. If you see one of them reach out to you in regard to your registration, please know they’re communicating on our behalf. You will have the chance to meet some of them at our conference in November!

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National Primary Care Week runs October 5–9. Sponsored by the American Medical Student Association the week brings together students, physicians, and advocates to celebrate the essential role primary care plays in community health and to spotlight the challenges and opportunities facing the field. Primary care and oral health are more connected than they're often treated. Medical-dental integration is when primary care providers screen for oral health issues, refer patients to dental care, or even provide basic preventive services like fluoride varnish. It is an increasingly important strategy for reaching patients who may not otherwise see a dentist regularly.

The 100 Million Mouths Campaign (100MMC) bridges gaps in oral health access by training 50 oral health education champions in each state, to integrate sustainable, equity-driven oral health curricula into health profession schools. These champions collaborate with medical, nursing, and residency programs to empower future primary care providers to improve the oral health of 100 million people over the next decade. In Kansas, Oral Health Kansas staff member, Kathy Hunt was the Champion for our state and now Education Manager, Abby Richwine, leads that role. Oral Health Kansas works with medical schools, nurse practitioners and physician assistants to help equip providers to address oral health challenges. The groups have demonstrated a strong willingness to learn and explore ways to integrate medical and dental care.

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On Tuesday, October 6, Executive Director, Brooks Robertson, testified during the KanCare Oversight Committee. Brooks thanked the committee for the Medicaid dental rate increase that will go into effect this fall. We are grateful for this year’s dental rate increase but are prepared to ask for another increase next year! Watch for an opportunity to sign up to support another Medicaid dental rate increase in 2027.

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World Cerebral Palsy Day, is celebrated today on October 6. It brings together the global community of people with cerebral palsy (CP), their families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to raise awareness and push for greater inclusion. This year's theme, "Unique and United," highlights that every person with cerebral palsy has different experiences and needs, while calling for collective action toward meaningful change. Oral health is one of the areas where that need is often greatest, and most overlooked. Cerebral palsy affects muscle tone, coordination, and motor control which can cause barriers to oral health.

The Pathways to Oral Health website has several resources that can help with toothbrush mobility and also tips for caregivers to brush the teeth of their loved ones.

https://pathwaystooralhealth.org/

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Today starts Mental Health Awareness Week. In today's world, we're running from one point to another. Work days, kids sports, trying to find time for your family and barely trying to find time for yourself. We completely understand.

At our Conference on Oral Health, November 13, Jody J. Fiorini, Professor, Ph.D. Program Co-coordinator at Wichita State University, will be doing a breakout session for dental professionals on Resilience, Well-Being, and Success in the Workplace. This session will be useful for anyone that is feeling burn out or stress and needs some helpful tips!

https://wichita.irisregistration.com/Form/26OHKAttendee

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Education Manager, Abby Richwine, shared the My Dental Care Passport© during a Poster Session at the Community Care Network of Kansas. This opportunity allowed Abby to share with attendees how the My Dental Care Passport© has evolved and has helped many individuals in their dental offices. My Dental Care Passport© is designed to improve the dental office visit for people with disabilities by letting individuals and their families/caregivers voice their specific needs. Sharing important information, for example, how a person likes to communicate, what they liked in past dentist visits, and what parts of the appointment might be hard for them, helps break down communication barriers and allows the dental team to make changes to the dental office and appointment plan before the person even arrives. This helps make the visit to the dentist better for everyone!
https://pathwaystooralhealth.org/my-dental-care-passport/

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Dental care is an important part of overall health for everyone, but for individuals with Down Syndrome, regular dental visits and good oral home care are especially important. An increased risk of oral health challenges, like gum disease and bite problems, mean monitoring and early intervention are critical. However, sometimes visiting the dentist can be tricky.

Last month, MaryAnne Lynch Small, Policy Manager, presented My Dental Care Passport© to the Gateway Down Syndrome Association based in St. Louis, MO. My Dental Care Passport is a communication tool designed to improve the dental office visit for people with disabilities by letting individuals and their families/caregivers voice their specific needs. Sharing important information, like, how a person communicates, sensory likes and dislikes, what went well in past visits, and what part of an appointment might be harder for them, allows the dental team to get to know the individual as a person and best prepare for a successful visit.

My Dental Care Passport© is unique to the individual. You can share what you want the dental team to know about you. For dental teams, it offers insights to help provide person-centered care and helps build confidence in caring for that individual. By working together and learning more about each other, we can create a smoother, more inclusive dental experience for everyone.

My Dental Care Passport© is freely available to use both in and out of Kansas. You can find My Dental Care Passport and handy Passport guides for users and dental teams on the website.
https://pathwaystooralhealth.org/my-dental-care-passport/

We are grateful to the Gateway Down Syndrome Association for inviting us to share strategies to make visiting the dentist are more successful experience for everyone.

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Today is National Women's Health and Fitness Day, the nation's largest annual health promotion event for women of all ages. Women face oral health considerations that shift across life stages in ways that are often overlooked in general fitness and wellness messaging.

Hormonal changes affect the mouth. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can increase gum sensitivity and the risk of gum disease. Pregnancy in particular raises the risk of pregnancy gingivitis and gum disease. During pregnancy this has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight. It’s important to visit the dentist even while pregnant. Yes, it’s safe to see the dentist while pregnant and keep up with your oral health by brushing twice a day and flossing. Also, nutrition and fitness habits overlap with oral health. Drink plenty of water and limit sugary drinks and snacks which can contribute to whether or not you maintain a healthy mouth. Healthy Snacks Limit Acid Attacks one pager provides helpful tips. Find more great tips on our Consumer Resources page.

Healthy Snacks Limit Acid Attacks https://www.oralhealthkansas.org/Tips And Tricks/2026 NEW/Acid Attacks- Tips & Tricks-English.pdf

Consumer Resources page: https://www.oralhealthkansas.org/Consumers.html

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Free health screenings, including dental cleanings.

AdventHealth is hosting a Free Health Clinic on Saturday, October 10, offering free health screenings, preventive care and connections to additional community resources.

Services include dental cleanings and exams, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, flu shots, vision and hearing screenings, school and sports physicals, primary care, physical therapy, podiatry and more.

📅 Saturday, October 10th
⏰ 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Trailridge Middle School - 7500 Quivira Road, Shawnee, KS 66216

Walk-ins are welcome, or scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up in advance.

Help spread the word so more individuals and families in our community know about this opportunity to access free care and health resources.