Dental Champions - Oral Health Kansas

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Dental Champions - Oral Health Kansas

Dental Champions is a leadership program developed by Oral Health Kansas.

The program offers participants leadership and personal development training as well as other training focused on planning and organizational skills and up-to-date information about the oral health scene in Kansas and the nation.

09/24/2026

Join us for our next webinar on Tuesday, October 13 at 12:00pm CST. Learn about the new Kansas Medicaid dental rates and what they mean for providers and access to care. We’ll share results from the provider rate survey, including the priorities and concerns voiced by Kansas dental providers. The rate increase represents an important investment in oral health access during a challenging budget year and reflects the Kansas Legislature’s commitment to preserving the progress that has been made. This webinar highlights the collaborative efforts underway to listen to providers and use their voices to help strengthen the Medicaid dental system.

This is a great opportunity for one free CE.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/VQK19gFNQ4OlpzuSNDXYkA

(Image Description: flyer for webinar with date and time. Oral Health Kansas and Kansas Dental Association logos on the bottom).

09/23/2026

We’re excited to announce Tatiana Y. Lin, Director of Business Strategy and Innovation with Kansas Health Institute will speak at our Conference on Oral Health on Friday, November 13. Tatiana will provide information on a systems-level look at the evidence behind AI-assisted diagnostics, what these tools mean for access, quality of care, and how policy and regulation are evolving to keep pace.

How to register: Click on this link to register. If you do not have an account with the IRIS conference platform, you will need to set up an account.
https://wichita.irisregistration.com/Form/26OHKAttendee

09/18/2026

World Alzheimer's Month is observed every September and it raises awareness about Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Oral health is a connection that's often overlooked, but it plays a meaningful role at nearly every stage of the disease. Gum disease may be linked to increased dementia risk. Research has explored connections between chronic periodontal disease and cognitive decline, with some studies suggesting that oral bacteria and inflammation may play a role in Alzheimer's progression but the research is still being worked out!

Alzheimer's makes oral hygiene harder to maintain. As cognitive function declines, individuals may forget to brush or floss, struggle with the physical steps involved, or lose the ability to communicate dental pain or discomfort and can lead to undetected and untreated problems. Poor oral health can worsen other health outcomes for Alzheimer's patients. Untreated dental infections and gum disease can contribute to systemic inflammation and have been associated with faster cognitive decline in some studies, as well as increased risk of aspiration pneumonia in later stages.

For caregivers, helping with daily tasks including brushing the teeth of a loved one can be difficult but there are tips you can use. You can establish a routine and brush their teeth at the same time every day. While brushing, watch for signs that there may be some dental pain. You can also monitor for dental pain while the individual eats.

The award winning video series, Confidence in Every Smile is designed to make brushing and flossing easier for people living with physical or intellectual disabilities but this can also help some who has Alzheimer’s. Each video shares practical tips, creative tools, and encouragement so everyone can care for their teeth with confidence. From handling toothbrushes and toothpaste, to managing gagging or flossing with limited mobility, to brushing comfortably when you can’t stand at the sink, these videos help you discover what works best for you. Brushing the Teeth of Others provides various tips as well on how you can brush the teeth of your loved one.

Check out the Pathways to Oral Health and Oral Health Kansas website for more ideas.

09/17/2026

Thank you to our friends who have signed up! Sign up and get your seat!

(schedule is subject to change)
Oral Health Policy and Election Update
Speakers: Dr. Stuart Little, PhD, Little Government Relations

Enhancing Patient-Centered Care with the My Dental Care Passport & Sensory Modifications Guide
Speakers: Dr. MaryAnne Lynch Small, MPH, BDS, Oral Health Kansas; Abby Richwine, RDH, BS, Oral Health Kansas; Deb Pochop, Northwest Smile Center; Billie Donohue, CDA, Rogers Family Dentistry; Shelley Howard, RDH, BS DH, MHSA, UMKC School of Dentistry

Resilience, Well-Being, and Success in the Workplace
Speaker: Jody J. Fiorini, PhD, LCPC-S, NCC, ACS, Professor of Counseling, Coordinator of the PhD in Education & Behavioral Studies - Clinical Counselor Education & Supervision track, Intervention Services & Leadership in Education (ISLE)

Building Your Advocacy Skills
Speakers: Little Government Relations

The State of Dental Practice: Costs, Insurance, and Access
Speakers: Deesha Bhaumik, PhD, MS American Dental Association Health Policy Institute

Regular Attendee Rate: $125 | Walk-in Attendee Rate: $150
Regular Student Rate: $20 | Walk-in Student Rate: $25
Rates include access to all meals, snacks and sessions.

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

(Image Description: Flyer for conference describing what to expect and logistics of conference).

09/16/2026

Thank you for our current 2026 Conference on Oral Health sponsors! Your partnership makes a difference bringing oral health awareness to all communities.

If you are interested in sponsoring our November 13 conference, email Sonia at [email protected] for more information!

09/15/2026

As Hispanic Heritage Month begins (September 15 - October 15), it's a meaningful time to recognize both the cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities and the real, persistent disparities they face in oral health care access and outcomes.

Hispanic and Latino people represent the largest and fastest-growing non-majority ethnic group in the United States, making up 18.9% of the population, and the data shows they carry a disproportionate share of the nation's oral disease burden.

Studies show, migrant families often face discrimination in healthcare based on their race, socioeconomic status, not speaking English, and insurance status. Language plays a critical role in oral health disparities for Hispanics with limited English proficiency. In households where Spanish was the primary language, research shows that the likelihood of tooth decay was 70% compared to 47% in primarily English-speaking households.

(Image Description: Women holding her cheek in pain)

09/12/2026

In Kansas, Community Dental Clinics are clinics specifically designed to make oral health care accessible to people who might otherwise struggle to get it. The clinics see patients regardless of income, insurance status, or where they live. They offer comprehensive services on a sliding-fee scale. These are costs adjusted based on a patient's income and family size, so someone with limited means pays significantly less than the standard rate. There are several clinics in the state of Kansas and often times they are able to see patients but some locations may have a waiting list due to the number of providers they have.

Community Care Network of Kansas serves as the statewide primary care association connecting these clinics to trainings, advocacy, policy support, and a shared "Find a Clinic" tool that helps patients locate care across the network.
https://communitycareks.org/page/find-a-clinic

To find a Community Dental Clinic, visit our website. https://www.oralhealthkansas.org/CommunityDentalClinics.html

Our new Tips and Tricks Finding a Dentist has some helpful tips and also in Spanish. https://tinyurl.com/bdhv9aze

(Image Description: picture of someone at the dentist, mouth open)

09/11/2026

The Shawnee County Oral Health Coalition is searching for their next new members to add to their coalition. For over 10 years, the coalition has been going strong and sharing the Brush Book Bed model with families. The coalition is volunteer based. As a volunteer member of the Shawnee County Oral Health Coalition, members work collaboratively with community partners to improve oral health outcomes for families through the Brush Book Bed program. Through community engagement, they help identify oral health needs, support initiatives that increase access to care, and promote the importance of oral health as an essential part of overall health. Members may volunteer to exhibit at community events to share oral health resources. The members are from organizations around the Topeka area such as community dental clinics, early childhood programs, health department, United Way and Kansas Children’s Service League. Through community engagement, they help identify oral health needs, support initiatives that increase access to care, and promote the importance of oral health as an essential part of overall health.

The coalition meets every other month from 12:00pm-1:00pm. The meetings are virtual although members have offered to host at their place of employment. The meetings are run by two Co-Chairs. If you or your organization is interested in joining, email Sonia at [email protected] or if you have any questions.

Our next meeting is coming up on Thursday, September 17 at 12:00pm!

(Image Description: Two women standing behind a table with Shawnee County Oral Health Coalition table banner, dragon stuffed animal and drinks for drink display with sugar jars).

09/10/2026

Congratulations to our Pathways to Oral Health Project partner, Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas (SACK) who were recently awarded the 2026 Grassroots Advocate Award from the Kansas Disability Caucus for their dedication to increasing independence for people with disabilities. SACK is an amazing group of advocates and this recognition for their work is much deserved!

(Image Description: SACK logo)

09/09/2026

We’re ecstatic to announce registration for the Conference on Oral Health is open! The conference will be held on Friday, November 13. This is an all day in person event at the KU Edwards Campus BEST Conference Room in Overland Park.

There will be plenary sessions as well as breakout sessions:
• Oral Health Policy and Election Update
• Enhancing Patient-Centered Care with the My Dental Care Passport & Sensory Modifications Guide
• Resilience, Well-Being, and Success in the Workplace
• Building Your Advocacy Skills
• Shifting the Narrative: Amplifying Voices
• The State of Dental Practice: Costs, Insurance, and Access

How to register: If you do not have an account with the IRIS conference platform, you will need to set up an account. https://tinyurl.com/3f82zs2c

Regular Attendee Rate: $125 | Walk-in Attendee Rate: $150
Regular Student Rate: $20 | Walk-in Student Rate: $25

Rates include access to all meals, snacks and sessions.

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

(Image Description: Woman jumping up and down. Conference logo with sunflower and November 13 date)

Address

PO Box 4567
Topeka, KS
66604

Telephone

+17852356069

Website

http://ksdentalchampions.org/

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