Dental Champions - Oral Health Kansas

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 First marked in 2005 by Autistic-led group Aspies for Freedom, Autistic Pride Day challenges the outdated idea that Autism is something to be “fixed” or “cured.”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.

Congratulations to Oral Health Kansas board member, Shane Lewis and his organization Woolly Farms for their recent $500 donation from DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers. Woolly Farms is an organization that provides services for adults with diverse abilities. The organization empowers individuals to reach their full potential by offering opportunities for personal development. The donation will boost the organization’s mission.

The conference planning committee is busy preparing for this year’s annual conference and are seeking sponsors and exhibitors! We’re excited to have Whit Downing, Vice President of Policy and Programming at the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, as our Keynote Speaker. She’ll share her compelling life story of an autistic self-advocate with lived experience.

The Conference on Oral Health will be held on Friday, November 13 from 8:30am-4:00pm at the KU Edwards Campus, 12600 Quivira Road in Overland Park. We have opened the conference for sponsors or exhibitors. This is a unique opportunity for organizations to reach the dental public health community. If you are interested or want to learn more, click here to view the sponsorship levels. Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

June is National Men's Health Awareness Month and Men’s Health Week begins this week from June 8 - 14! Men’s Health Week is a week to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection. Men are often less likely than women to seek preventive healthcare, including oral health. Help encourage the men in your life to schedule dental checkups and eat well including limiting sugar drinks and foods.

What can you do at home?
• Brush your teeth daily at least twice a day for two minutes.
• Use toothpaste with fluoride.
• Floss!
• Limit sugary drinks to special days. If this is difficult, drink your beverage at one sitting to avoid acid attacks.
• Drink water to stay hydrated!
• Avoid snacking throughout the day, if possible. Snacking all day can also cause acid attacks!

Small steps today can lead to healthier tomorrows. It can also lead to healthier habits we do every day!

Tips and Tricks Soft Drinks and Cavities: https://www.oralhealthkansas.org/Tips And Tricks/TT-SoftDrinks-English.pdf

Tips and Tricks Healthy Eating: https://www.oralhealthkansas.org/Tips And Tricks/Healthy EatingTT.pdf