Oral Health Program

Overview

The Kentucky Oral Health Program (KOHP) has a long, proud history with the Kentucky Department for Public Health. In 1928, Kentucky became​ the third state in the nation with a public dental health program. The KOHP offers a variety of programs and services to help the citizens of Kentucky achieve optimal oral health for a lifetime of smiles. These programs and services include, but are not limited to, fluoride supplements, fluoride varnishes and hygiene services. 

Community Water Fluoridation

In 1951, the KOHP began its first community water fluoridation efforts in Maysville. Community water fluoridation has continued successfully since then. Today, 217 fluoridated communities serve nearly 95 percent of the state's population, making Kentucky a national leader. Fluoridation is mandatory (KRS 211.190; KAR 902 115.010) for community water supplies serving populations of 3,000 or more. Community water supplies serving fewer than 1,500 users may voluntarily fluoridate and most do.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more information about your water supply. To find out more, go to My Water Fluoride webpage.

Kentucky Public Health Dental Hygiene Program

This school-based hygiene program provides dental care by a registered dental hygienist to advance the oral health of students and contribute to the well-being, academic success and lifelong achievement of students. Currently nine local health departments and/or districts participate in this program with an average of 10,000 children seen per year.

KIDS SMILE - Fluoride Varnish Program

Fluoride varnishes primarily are applied to prevent tooth decay among pediatric patients at a high risk. The KOHP 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 - 5 years with a family history of decay, low levels of fluoride in their drinking water or limited access to dental care.

Other Programs Offered

  • Fluoride Supplement Program -supplies fluoride supplements to those whose home water supply is low in fluoride with children who are still forming adult teeth.
  • Rural School Fluoridation Program - supplies fluoridated water to rural schools not served by a fluoridated water source.
  • Kentucky Sealant Program - recognizes the pattern of identifying children at high risk for dental decay in schools with a high percentage of free/reduced lunch participants.

Fluoride Supplement Algorithm

Fluoride Supplement Guidelines for Private Providers

Private Provider Order Form

Kentucky Oral Health Coalitions

In recent years the KOHP received federal grants that helped 24 Kentucky counties create community coalitions aimed at improving dental health among children and adults. Many communities still have coalitions that address oral health and some have been incorporated into their Healthy Communities coalitions that include several focus areas of health.

Documentation

Manual

Manual for Public Health Registered Dental Hygienists

Protocols

Protocols Index PHRDH Focused

Protocol Overview

Consent for Services

Oral Assessment Form

Documentation of Dental Records

Follow-up Protocols

Instructions for Authorization of Release of Information, CH-23

Telephone/Verbal Order Instructions

Fluoride Supplementation

Fluoride Varnish

Role of the School Dental Hygienist

Referral Sources

Infection Control

Sealant Protocol

Fluoride Supplement Logic Model

Program Resources

Dental Home - Definition

School-Based Sealant Program - ADA Recommendations

CDC Guidelines for Dental Health Care Infection Control

Dietary Fluoride Supplements

EBD Sealants

Sealant Literature Review

KRS Defining Age of MajorityKRS Regarding Treatment to Minors

Forms

CH 5 - Registration, authorization, certification and consent

CH5 Spanish - Registration, authorization, certification and consent

CH 13 - Health History and Physical Exam

Consent Form Satellite Site

Consent Form Simple

Electronic Seals Form

CH 3A - Service Record

CH 23 - Authorization for Release of Patient Info

CH 23 Spanish - Authorization for Release of Patient Info

CH 23 Instructions - Authorization for release of patient info

Fluoride Supplement Supplies - Packing Slip Form

HHS-117 Telephone Order Form Instructions

HHS-117 Telephone/Verbal Order

Fluoride Supplies packing slip-order blank

KIDS SMILES Order form

Labels for Fluoride Supplements

Labels for Fluoride Supplements, Spanish

OH 9 Consent for Fluoride (English and Spanish)

OH 10 Home Water Sample

OH 10 Spanish - Home water sample

OH 11 Kids Smiles personal record

OH 11 Spanish

OH 12 - Dental Screening Form for School Entry

Prevent Tooth Decay Labels

Prevent Tooth Decay Labels, Spanish

SDS - Sodium Fluoride Drops

Teaching Sheets

Information for Parents or Guardians - Local Health Departments

OHEM 3 - Fluoride Varnish

OHEM 4 - Brush Up Tips

OHEM 4 - Brush Up Tips, Spanish

OHEM 5 - First Aid for Dental Injury

OHEM 6 - Keeping Your Smile

OHEM 7 - Mouthguard

OHEM 8 - Diabetes and Gum Disease