Ky.gov

Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Oral Health Program

​​​​​​The Kentucky Oral Health Branch (KOHB) has been in existence since 1928. We proudly provide a variety of programs and services for the achievement of optimal oral health for a lifetime of smiles. These programs and services include fluoride supplementation, fluoride varnishes, public health dental hygiene services, and water fluoridation.

Our values:

  • Patient Focus

    • Oral health is an essential component of overall health
    • Optimal oral health has no age limit
    • Children's oral health is a foundation for a healthy lifetime
    • ​Optimal oral health is achievable

  • Inter-professional Education

    • Access to dental care is essential
    • The pursuit of health is a right
    • The dental profession has an obligation to work toward the improvement of oral health for all
    • ​Professional oral care is an important part of the healthcare delivery system

  • ​Public Health

    • Oral health education is important in the training of all healthcare providers and oral health consumer education is imperative
    • ​Prevention is the cornerstone of community health

Learn More About Our Programs​

Study Your SIP! Good Drinking Water Includes Fluoride

General Information

The Kentucky Oral Health Branch Study Your SIP Initiative is offering supplements to children in Kentucky without access to optimally fluoridated drinking water.
Did you know?

  • Fluoride is safe and effective in preventing tooth decay
  • Drinking fluoridated water reduces tooth decay by 25% in children
  • Drinking fluoridated water means fewer missed days of school
Fluoride helps build stronger teeth as they develop, and it keeps tooth enamel strong and resistant to cavities forever. Fluoride is the most effective way to reduce tooth decay. In Kentucky, the fluoride content of a community’s tap water (i.e., city water/public water company) is controlled and adjusted to an optimal level to prevent and protect from tooth decay. If your child does not drink tap water for most of their drinking water source, your child may not have this protection. If you are unsure if your drinking water is optimally fluoridated, Study Your SIP to find out:
Study your SIP
To order your free fluoride test CLICK HERE

Resources

Kentucky Public Health Dental Hygiene Program

General Information

The KOHB supports school-based public health dental hygiene programs across the state. Currently, ten local health departments and/or districts provide preventive dental services. Local oral health programs collaborate with school districts to serve their community’s young people, from birth to 18 years old. These programs are led by a Public Health Registered Dental Hygienist (PHRDH) to provide oral health education, dental cleanings, fluoride varnish and dental sealants. Our programs work to promote good oral health habits and help patients find a dentist for regular dental care. We believe we will strengthen Kentucky’s communities through advocacy for health equity by providing oral health education and prevention while reducing fear and expanding access to dental care for all.
KDH Program Map
Dental Hygiene Program Map

Community Water Fluoridation

General Information

Community water fluoridation provides the perfect amount of fluoride in your tap water to prevent tooth decay. Fluoridation is mandatory in Kentucky for community water supplies serving populations of 3,000 or more. Communities with fewer than 1,500 people may voluntarily fluoridate. In 1951, Kentucky began its first fluoridation effort in Maysville. Kentucky continues to achieve success nationally, with 99.9% of Kentucky’s community water systems being optimally fluoridated, making Kentucky a national leader. This work helps the people of Kentucky to achieve optimal oral health for a lifetime of smiles.
All Regions Community Water Fluoridation Program Map

Resources

KIDS Smile Fluoride Varnish

General Information

The KOHB provides funding for fluoride varnish programs in local health departments and offers training to local health department nurses in the areas of oral health screening and fluoride varnish application. Individuals who benefit most from this program include children ages 0 – 18 years with a family history of decay, low levels of fluoride in their drinking water or limited access to dental care. For more information contact your local health department.
Varnish Forms for Local Health Department Staff

Oral Health Education

​​Helpful Resources

​​Click the button above to access the Study Your SIP consent and questionnaire to see if your child qualifies for a free water test.

Additional Information

Contact Information

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