The State of the State of Missouri Oral Health
Presented by Dr. Megan Krohn, DDS
Session Overview: This session will give an overview of the landscape for oral health in Missouri. This will include reports on the five priority areas of Office of Dental Health (ODH): Prevention and Oral Health Education, Workforce, Access to Care, Quality, and Population Health. In addition to the current programs and activities led by ODH, details will be shared on the priorities and strategic direction of the office.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn general updates concerning Office of Dental Health.
- Review the five priority areas for Office of Dental Health with details on current program status.
- Briefly review the Rural Health Transformation Program and discuss suggested ways oral health initiatives will be addressed within the program.
- Share the strategic direction of the Office of Dental Health, including measurable outcomes that complement the 2025-2030 State Oral Health Plan.
Megan Krohn, DDS
Chief Dental Consultant, MO DHSS - Office of Dental Health
Megan Krohn, DDS, serves as the Chief Dental Consultant for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) within the Office of Dental Health (ODH). Krohn is responsible for developing and overseeing core public health activities aimed at improving oral health in Missouri. Her focus is on providing the clinical expertise for oral health to drive forward the strategic initiatives of the department, ensuring there is access to oral health information and services for all Missourians.
Dr. Krohn previously served as the Executive Vice President of Dental Services at Swope Health, one of Missouri’s largest federally qualified health centers. Krohn increased access to patient care through clinic expansions, mobile dental care, and the development of innovative practices such as integrated care models. Krohn also has experience in private practice, portable dentistry, and board service. She graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 2016 with oral surgery honors.
Dr. Krohn is a member of the American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, and the Greater Kansas City Dental Society. She is also a member of the National Network for Oral Health Access where she serves on multiple committees and is the State of Missouri Ambassador. She is a member of the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors. In 2024, she was inducted as a Fellow to the Pierre Fauchard Academy and began service as a Delta Dental of Missouri Board Member. Incisal Edge Magazine honored Krohn as a “40 under 40” honoree for her work in expanding access to oral health care. Krohn brings a wealth of knowledge around social drivers of oral health, alternative care models and innovative thinking in how to bridge the gap between all dental practice modalities.