The Weekly Wednesday Update is our newsletter which we email every Wednesday with oral health, health and policy updates from around the state and nationally.

To view past issues click here.

 

April 17, 2024
Volume 15, Issue 15

 

Volunteer Month: Oral Health Kansas Board Members

The Oral Health Kansas Board is made up of 14 members with a plethora of experience. Members are dentists, dental hygienists, consumer advocates, safety net clinics, insurance companies, home visiting programs, mental health associations, dental association and a research organization. They each serve on board committees and take time to attend quarterly board meetings as well as our annual conference. They support us through our work and share our key messages in their own communities. We appreciate each of them for being a part of Oral Health Kansas and for their dedicated volunteer service.

 

 

Sponsor the Conference on Oral Health

The annual Conference on Oral Health is set for Friday, November 8 and will be held at the Kansas State University Olathe campus. This year we are offering various opportunities to sponsor our event, including a chance to put your company materials in the packets or a slide with your company logo!

Click here to take a look at the options. If you have any questions, email us at info@oralhealthkansas.org.

 

 

Shawnee County Oral Health Coalition Engages with Families

The Shawnee County Oral Health Coalition members shared oral health resources at the Roll and Read event in Topeka on a windy Saturday, April 13. They visited with over 60 families, sharing how important it is to maintain their oral health, brushing, reading a book and creating a bedtime routine. They also provided information on adult dental benefits for people on Medicaid. Families received a Potter the Otter book and Activities with Potter the Otter, Fruit and Veggie Fun!

If you want to learn more about the Shawnee County Oral Health Coalition, email us at info@oralhealthkansas.org. We are always looking for members to join. The coalition meets quarterly at noon.

 

 

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month, an initiative led by Prevent Child Abuse America and its national network of state chapters. This year’s theme is “Building A Hopeful Future, Together,” focusing on creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children and families across the nation. Child abuse is an intentional harm or mistreatment of a child under the age of 18 years. The four types of abuse are emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect.

As dental professionals and as well as any professional that works with children, you can monitor for signs of abuse. Some things that you can look for are:

• Bite marks, mouth injuries, infections, and diseases that may raise suspicion for child abuse or neglect.
• Trauma to the teeth, head or neck injuries.
• Dental neglect, which are oral conditions that are untreated and lead to pain or infections.

Dental professionals in all 50 states are required to be aware of and report instances of child abuse and neglect to the state authority. Mid-Atlantic Prevent Abuse and Neglect through Dental Awareness Coalition serves Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia but has information dental professionals can learn more about their role and responsibilities on this matter.

 

 

Upcoming Events

• Course: An Introduction to Value-Based Care in Oral Health: Moving from Volume to Value, 1 CE. Click here for the course information.
• Self paced courses: Providing Oral Health Care to Autistic Individuals and Caring for Individuals with Disabilities: Practical Considerations for Dental Providers.
• Alliance for a Healthy Kansas monthly meetings, Events | Alliance for a Healthy Kansas 2022 (expandkancare.com)
• Webinar: Exploring the Myths and Misconceptions about Oral Health and Pregnancy, April 25 at 6:30pm CST. Register here.

• Save the date! 2024 Conference on Oral Health will be Friday, November 8 at the Kansas State Olathe Campus, 22201 W Innovation Dr., Olathe, KS.

If you would like to add your event to this list, email info@oralhealthkansas.org.

 

 

---

Congratulations to Jean Hall, Director of the University of Kansas Institute for Health and Disability Policy Studies, who has been appointed to the 2030 Census Advisory Committee by the U.S. Census Bureau. As part of their efforts, committee members will review and provide feedback related to plans for the next census, including assisting the Census Bureau in strategies to increase awareness and participation, reduce barriers, and foster public trust. Hall joins the committee as an expert in research examining the intersection of disability, health, employment, and community participation. Read the full announcement here.

Oral Health Kansas worked with Jean Hall on a oral health project for people with disabilities, which later became Feeling Good About Your Smile workshops and creating adaptive aids resources for people with disabilities.

.

 

 

Sugary Drink Display

We have Adult and Children's Sugary Drink Display's available for reservations. These displays are eye catching at exhibits, schools, library, dental offices, clinics and just about anywhere you see them! We only have a limited amount so please sign up soon if you're interested in reserving one. Click here to learn more about sugary drink display reservations!