May 9th, 2017
As part of the 52 Weeks of Public Health campaign, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH), within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), is promoting the impact of oral health on communities across the state.
“Lawrence County Health Department recognizes the importance of dental care,” Director Debbie Miller said. “We were so fortunate that the Kentucky Department for Public Health funded our Smile Savers Dental Hygiene Program in 2014 so that we are able to provide preventive services for Lawrence County students.”
DPH currently is working to update its Strategic Oral Health Plan for the first time in over a decade. As part of this work, the DPH Oral Health Program will gather stakeholders and other interested parties on May 31 and June 1 at the Downtown Lexington Hilton to assist in updating the plan to reflect new ideas and opportunities that will result in the improvement of oral health for all Kentuckians.
“The final product is one for everyone to use, not just government programs or dentists,” explained Julie Watts McKee, a dentist and Kentucky’s State Dental Director. “It is a handbook for anyone that is interested in healthier mouths. We hope that schools, universities, health plans and individuals will see something they can act on.”
“I will be attending the meeting in Lexington to update the Oral Health Strategic Plan,” Lawrence Co.’s Miller said today. “I am excited to collaborate with others across the state – to share what we’ve been doing in Lawrence County as well as learn new ideas to further improve dental health for Lawrence County residents.”
With the help of a professional facilitator, the meeting’s attendees will decide what aspects of dental care and dental health should be priorities for Kentucky.
While invitations have been sent out to targeted groups, such as dentists, hygienists, educators and policy makers, the general public is strongly encouraged to participate in the event and the process. The success of the plan depends on the inclusion of the consumer of services that affect dental health.
Anyone interested in contributing to the update of the plan should register for the Stakeholder’s meeting by clicking here.
There is no cost to attend this event and some meals are included, but registration is mandatory in order to plan for the attendees. The Kentucky Oral Health Program has limited financial support for consumers and parents of minor children who would like to participate. If interested in learning more about this, please call Bill Bishop at (502) 564-2154, extension 4423.
Throughout the planned 52 Weeks of Public Health promotion, DPH will spotlight a specific public health issue. Additional information about the campaign is available on the DPH website and is posted on the CHFS Facebook page where Kentuckians are encouraged to like and share posts among their networks of friends.
From Cabinet for Health and Family Services Communications
