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ABOUT US – STRATEGIC AREAS
PREVENTION
Kansas should not underestimate the importance of prevention in improving and maintaining oral health as well as overall health. Opportunities currently exist to expand the range of prevention options, including such public health strategies as dental sealants, community water fluoridation, oral health education, home health visits and a host of other effective interventions.
ACCESS TO DENTAL CARE
Supporting the development of a well-trained statewide network of providers is a priority of the coalition. Efforts will focus on developing strategies, removing barriers and creating momentum to ensure greater access to oral health care for all Kansans. Special attention will be given to the most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low income, people with disabilities, pregnant women and children. The mouth must remain part of the body and must be considered integral to overall health and well-being. Studies indicate an association between oral disease and other conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and pre-term, low birth-weight babies.
ORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE
Kansas lacks a sufficient number of dentists, especially in the rural areas, and is experiencing a shortage of dentists who will accept Medicaid or HealthWave reimbursement. Unfortunately, the future is not promising due to the expected number of dentists approaching retirement age. We will work with other interested parties to provide data regarding this issue and will work in concert with others to develop a quality oral health workforce.
ORAL HEALTH STATUS
Oral health conditions are the number one chronic disease in children and contribute to a lack of school readiness and an increase in school absenteeism. We will support the State Office of Oral Health in the identification, coordination and effective use of data to focus strategies and decisions on shaping policies, designing systems and funding efforts to improve oral health outcomes.
LEADERSHIP
Too many low income people lack access to care and too few communities in Kansas have taken advantage of cost effective prevention measures. Many of our children and older Kansans have gone too long without good dental care. Improving the status of oral health care will require vital leadership and resources at the state and local level. We will work to expand the circle of leaders committed to this important public health issue through advocacy, public awareness and education.
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