
WEDNESDAY
UPDATE
WEDNESDAY
UPDATE
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.
February 5, 2025
Volume 16, Issue 5
Celebrating Black History Month
February is Black History Month and Jeanne C. Sinkford is a significant figure to recognize during this month. She was a pioneering American dentist, educator, and advocate for diversity in dentistry. She was the first woman and African American dean of a U.S. dental school, serving as the dean of Howard University College of Dentistry from 1975 to 1991. Sinkford was a trailblazer for women in the field, promoting opportunities for underrepresented groups in dental education and practice. Her work significantly impacted the advancement of women in dentistry, and she held leadership roles with the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and other professional organizations. People still honor her to this day, such as through the ADEA Dr. Jeanne C. Sinkford Faculty Leadership Award.
Another significant figure to recognize is Dian Chin Kit-Wells, DDS. She is the President of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry, a non-profit, membership organization of interdisciplinary health professionals — including primary care physicians, medical specialists, dentists, nurses and other clinicians - committed to improving the quality of healthcare for people with intellectual / developmental disabilities. She’s also a Board Member of Positive Exposure, a non-profit organization that promotes a more inclusive world with photography through film through educational programming.
We’ll celebrate Black History Month! Watch our Weekly Wednesday Updates for more!
Sugary Drink Display
Where is the Sugary Drink Display this month? The Sugary Drink Display is at the Winfield School District for National Children’s Dental Health Month. We have a Child Drink Display which has up to 10 popular beverages and 10 jars to show how much sugar is in each drink. The Adult Drink Display is similar with a set of 10 different beverages and sugar jars to show how much sugar is in each drink. The display’s have one pager fact sheets to share with audiences.
You can reserve a free drink display for up to a month and can be used in the state of Kansas or out of state. Once the drink display is mailed back to us, the shipping is reimbursed to you. For more information, contact Sonia at solmos@oralhealthkansas.org
American Heart Month
February is recognized as American Heart Month—a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and prevention. Interestingly, there's a significant connection between oral health and heart health. Research suggests that poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which may contribute to systemic inflammation and even increase the risk of heart conditions. Here are a few key points linking oral health to heart health:
- Inflammation Connection: Gum infections can cause inflammation, which is a known risk factor for heart disease.
- Bacterial Impact: Bacteria from periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and potentially contribute to the formation of arterial plaque.
- Prevention Tips: Maintaining good oral hygiene - brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental check-ups - can be a simple yet effective way to support overall cardiovascular health.
Celebrating American Heart Month is a great reminder to not only care for our hearts but also to pay attention to our oral health as an integral part of overall wellness.
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.
- Webinar: Age One Dental Visit, February 6 at 6:00pm CST. Register here.
- Feburary 12 - Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Day from 11:00am-4:00pm.
- Webinar: Championing Minimally Invasive Care: Aligning Advocacy to Transform Oral Health, February 12 at 12pm CST. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89931945699?pwd=6trIJ0CQpDtKV4ClBnzKYA3ncgWDSe.1
- Save the date! The Conference on Oral Health will be held Friday, November 7 at the KU Edwards Campus.
If you would like to add your event to this list, email info@oralhealthkansas.org.
We love celebrating birthday’s at Oral Health Kansas! Especially for this lady! We want to wish Kathy Hunt, Dental Program Director, a very happy birthday today!
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!