Oral Health Kansas

While the Oral Health Kansas team was in Washington, DC earlier this month for the OPEN Hill Day we had a chance to meet CareQuest Institute for Oral Health CEO Wade Rakes. Wade brings a wealth of experience in state and federal government and insurance to the CareQuest Institute. Our team enjoyed getting to know him and sharing the good work we are doing in Kansas. We appreciated his interest in the work of OPEN and its members across the country.

As a sponsor or exhibitor, you'll have the opportunity to connect with oral health professionals, healthcare providers, advocates, policymakers, educators, and community leaders from across Kansas. This year's conference features an inspiring keynote presentation by Whit Downing, Vice President of Policy and Programming at the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, who will share her compelling lived experience journey. Attendees will also hear from Stuart Little of Little Government Relations, who will provide an insightful look at the results of the 2026 election, evolving political landscape, emerging policy priorities, and what the 2027 legislative session could mean for oral health in Kansas. These are just a couple of the intriguing topics you will hear!

Through expanded networking opportunities and engaging discussions, participants will gain new ideas, practical strategies, and valuable connections to help improve the overall health and oral health of Kansans. Your sponsorship helps make these important conversations possible while showcasing your organization's commitment to healthier communities across the state.

The all-day conference will be on Friday, November 13 at the KU Edwards campus in Overland Park. If you’re interested in sponsoring or exhibiting, find more information here.

https://www.oralhealthkansas.org/Conference/2026/2026 Conference Sponsorship Invitation.pdf

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month raises awareness about Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia while highlighting the importance of brain health. More than memory loss, Alzheimer's affects thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. Maintaining good oral health is also important, as emerging research continues to explore the connection between oral health, inflammation, and cognitive health. This month serves as a reminder to support those affected by Alzheimer's, promote early detection, and encourage habits that contribute to lifelong brain health.

If your loved one has Alzheimer's and is uncomfortable brushing their teeth or accepting help with oral care, know that this is a common challenge. Patience, gentle encouragement, and adapting the routine to their needs can help make oral care more comfortable and successful. When a Person Resists Toothbrushing tips sheet, has helpful suggestions to help your loved one. The award winning Confidence in Every Smile video series demonstrates ways and provides techniques to help with toothbrushing. Although the series are tips to assist individuals with a disability, these are helpful for all individuals that may need help with toothbrushing.

When a Person Resists Toothbrushing:https://pathwaystooralhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Resists-Toothbrushing-Handout.pdf

Confidence in Every Smile:
https://youtu.be/4uaiJ-pjUrk

If you have any questions, email us at [email protected].

Smiles for Life is a national oral health curriculum designed to help healthcare professionals integrate oral health into primary care. The program provides free, evidence-based education on topics such as oral disease prevention, risk assessment, and fluoride use, and the connection between oral health and overall health, helping providers improve patient care across the lifespan.

A new Veterans Oral Health module is now available on Smiles for Life. In this course you’ll learn 56% of veterans had above-average caries experience, compared with 37% of nonveterans.

It is available here complete with speaker notes: https://www.smilesforlifeoralhealth.org/teach-curriculum/course-veterans-oral-health/.

You can also find other online courses on the Smiles for Life website.
https://www.smilesforlifeoralhealth.org/

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of the last enslaved African Americans in the United States in 1865. It is a powerful moment of reflection, celebration, and continued advocacy for equity, including in healthcare. Oral Health Kansas believes in reducing disparities and achieving greater health equity in every part of the state by disrupting systems of poverty. Community conditions can create unequal opportunities, choices, and access to resources that allow people to live healthy lives. We focus on social determinants and how communities can alter the ways that structural drivers affect daily living conditions, providing the opportunity to improve health while reducing inequities. Black Americans have historically experienced barriers to dental care, including lack of access to affordable care, and limited availability of Black dental providers. These factors contribute to higher rates of untreated tooth decay, periodontal disease, and oral cancers in Black communities.

Let this Juneteenth serve not only as a remembrance of freedom delayed but also as a reminder of the persistent disparities and the work still ahead. By advancing oral health education, access, and equity in Black communities, we take meaningful steps toward justice, not just in words, but in care. The path to equity is ongoing, and it begins with acknowledging the past, addressing present barriers, and building a healthier, more inclusive future for all.

Today is Autistic Pride Day, a global movement led by Autistic people, celebrating identity, strengths and community. This day is about visibility, not permission. Pride, not pity. First marked in 2005 by Autistic-led group Aspies for Freedom, Autistic Pride Day challenges the outdated idea that Autism is something to be “fixed” or “cured.” Instead, we celebrate Autism as a natural and valuable part of human diversity.

Individuals with autism may experience unique challenges related to oral health and accessing dental care. Sensory sensitivities, communication differences, anxiety, and difficulty with changes in routine can make daily oral hygiene and dental visits more challenging. For some, it is also the inability to relate social-emotionally as in trust, approval, and interest in another person. There are several types of conditions that people with autism may have that can interfere with dental care. One is the inability to communicate needs either verbally or nonverbally. It may be difficult to respond to questions or ask for help. Some people with autism have repetitive speech or motions like tapping fingers.

Dental offices can make adaptations in their office and during the dental visit to make it more accommodating. Here are some ways you can accommodate: The sounds of dental tools, bright lights, and the feeling of someone working inside your mouth can trigger anxiety. Consider strategies like providing noise-canceling headphones. Encourage patients to communicate their fears and concerns. The My Dental Care Passport is a simple tool that individuals can fill out before the appointment and share their concerns, behaviors or anything about themselves that would be helpful. Filling this out before the appointment prepares the dental provider ahead of time for the situation.

On the Oral Health Kansas website, we have several resources for people on the autism spectrum, including techniques to help with toothbrushing. You can find that information on this webpage. You can also find some helpful resources on the Pathways to Oral Health website.

My Dental Care Passport: https://www.oralhealthkansas.org/DentalPassport.html

Resources for people on the autism spectrum: https://www.oralhealthkansas.org/Autism.html

Resources on the Pathways to Oral Health project website:
https://pathwaystooralhealth.org/resources-list/

Thank you to the three Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs): Healthy Blue, Sunflower Health Plan and United Healthcare, for presenting this week on the Medicaid Value Added Benefits (VABs): What You Need to Know webinar. This information is helpful to understand what members are eligible for.

Save the date for the next webinar, Behind the Curtain on Tuesday, August 11 from 12:00pm-12:30pm.

There's still time! Register for today's webinar!

Hosted by Oral Health Kansas, the Kansas Dental Association, and the Pathways to Oral Health team, join us today at noon for a special webinar on Medicaid Value Added Benefits (VABs): What You Need to Know. VABs are extra perks offered by the three KanCare (Medicaid) managed care organizations (MCOs) on top of standard KanCare coverage. Each of the three managed care companies offers their own special benefits to people who join their plan and they’ll each take time to share what benefits they offer for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is a perfect FREE CE opportunity for dental offices to learn more

Date: TODAY (June 16, 2026)
Time: 12:00pm – 12:30pm

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/KZIM450OTHKwaQh_Hh0Ktg #/registration

Hosted by Oral Health Kansas, the Kansas Dental Association, and the Pathways to Oral Health team, join us on Tuesday, June 16 for a special webinar on Medicaid Value Added Benefits (VABs): What You Need to Know. VABs are extra perks offered by the three KanCare (Medicaid) managed care organizations (MCOs) on top of standard KanCare coverage. Each of the three managed care companies offers their own special benefits to people who join their plan and they’ll each take time to share what benefits they offer for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is a perfect FREE CE opportunity for dental offices to learn more

Date: June 16, 2026
Time: 12:00pm – 12:30pm

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/KZIM450OTHKwaQh_Hh0Ktg #/registration

Are you someone that suffers from migraines or headaches because you grind your teeth? You are not alone! So many people clench or grind their teeth, especially at night and don’t realize it until they wake up with a sore mouth. Grinding your teeth can lead to chipped teeth, if grinding or clenching too hard without being aware. Tightening your face every night could cause headaches.

What can you do? You should first find the cause of why you grind your teeth. If it’s before bed, are you going to bed feeling stressed out? Try to do some breathing exercises or read a book to calm your mind before bedtime. You can talk to your dental provider if using a mouth piece, such as a night guard, is an option. You can also find mouth pieces in the stores although they may not fit as well.

OHK staff member, Sonia Olmos, shares her mouth clenching experience:

“I didn’t know I was clenching my teeth every night while I slept, until I kept having tooth pain throughout the day. Once I realized what I was doing because my jaw was hurting each morning, I tried relaxing habits before bed. I stretched while doing breathing exercises. Read a book even if it was just for 10 minutes. I even just laid on the floor with my dog to relax. I am now noticing my mouth doesn’t hurt! This may not be a solution for everyone, but why not try it or find your own relaxing techniques.”

If you are still experiencing migraines or headaches, talk to your medical or dental provider.