Supporting
Oral Health in Missouri
We bring together communities, providers, and policymakers to improve oral health across Missouri through advocacy, education, and prevention—because everyone deserves access to quality dental care.
%
Increase in Patients Seen
By The Numbers
Increasing Access to Care
In 2025, around 34% of MO HealthNet beneficiaries accessed dental services—an 8.16% increase from 20221.
Despite this progress, gaps in access, prevention, and care continue to impact communities across Missouri.
The Missouri Coalition for Oral Health is committed to bridging these gaps. View our recent efforts in our Capturing the Moment 2025 report.
Our Mission
Improved Oral Health for All Missourians
Over the past several years, Missouri has seen increased provider participation in Medicaid and improved access to dental care for many residents.
However, significant gaps in access to care remain.
Many Missourians, including veterans, individuals living with disabilities, and those living in rural or underserved communities, continue to face barriers to necessary care.
Community prevention efforts remain essential.
Community water fluoridation—one of the most effective public health measures—helps reduce tooth decay by around 20-40% and protects the health of residents across communities2.
Through sustainable policy changes, public awareness, and community health initiatives, we can continue building a future where all Missourians have access to the oral health care they need.
To address these challenges, MCOH provides resources, advocacy tools, and guidance to support those working to improve oral health across Missouri.
MCOH Policy Intiatives
Making an Impact
The Coalition collaborates with organizations, communities, and partners across Missouri to advance initiatives that strengthen oral health and expand access to care.
Explore our current policy goals, ongoing efforts, and strategic plan for improving oral health outcomes for all Missourians.
GET INFORMED
Advocacy Resources
Access to the right tools and information is essential to driving meaningful change.
Stay up to date on oral health policy, prevention strategies, and tools by viewing the resources below.
Missouri Legislative Advocacy Toolkit
Advancing Veteran Oral Health
Advocacy
Webinars
A New Side to Preventive Oral Health Care: Increasing HPV Vaccinations
Speaker: Dr. Jacqueline Miller, DDS, MS, MPH Sponsored by: Bureau of Immunizations, Department of…
Advancing Veteran Oral Health in Missouri
AIDPH Advancing Veteran Oral Health Webinar In 2024, the American Institute of Dental…
Piloting a Dental Alternative Payment Model for Missourians with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Presented by Jessica Emmerich, Melissa Kleffner-Wansing, Dr. Mack Taylor, Katie Schroeder,…
decreasing Tooth Decay
Prevention Matters
People drinking fluoridated water have 20-40% less tooth decay.
As of 2022, Missouri ranked 26th in the nation for public water fluoridation.
76.4% of Missouri residents are receiving the optimal level of fluoride to prevent tooth decay2.
Featured Resource
Change in Action
The oral health of Missouri’s children is in crisis.
In 2021, the Missouri Office of Dental Health met with dental providers and community members to learn more about ongoing efforts and what the medical community can do to improve the oral health of Missouri’s children.
GET INVOLVED
Be Part of the Change
Explore Resources
Meaningful change starts with knowledge. Learn more about oral health issues and better support your community.
Join the Coalition
Connect with peers, speak with legislators, and stay informed about oral health initiatives shaping Missouri.
Support Our Work
We rely on community financial support and grants. Consider donating or sponsoring an event to support our mission.