Oral diseases are a devastating problem among a significant percentage of Missouri’s residents, affecting their overall health and ability to work and learn. The Mission of the Missouri Coalition for Oral Health is to improve oral health with all Missourians by advocating for sound public policy. The Vision of the Missouri Coalition for Oral Health is Oral Health for all Missourians. Join organizations and individuals across the state in achieving this mission. Your support and dedication are essential to ensuring oral health is a high priority for Missourians and for policy makers.
MCOH is pleased to offer outstanding webinars for summer 2021 –
Webinar One: Wednesday, August 4, 2021, Noon to 1:30 PM:
Local Community Water Fluoridation Experience
The American Dental Association along with a panel of local water operators from around the state to talk about local experience with community water fluoridation, including challenges and successes. This presentation offers insight both for water operators and others with an interest in the processes of local fluoridation to support community oral health.
Presenters: Tooka Zokaie, MPH, MAS, CPH, Manager, Fluoridation and Prevention Health Activities, American Dental Association; Dr. Jayanth Kumar, DDS, MPH, State Dental Director, Office of Oral Health, Center for Healthy Communities, California Department of Public Health. Panelists include Roger Sullivan with the Marceline, MO Water Department; David Harris with the Charleston, MO Water Department; Frank Shovlin with the Park Hills, MO Water Department. Gwen Sullentrup, Community Water Fluoridation and Dental Sealant Coordinator, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Office of Dental Health will also do a brief presentation.
Webinar Two: Wednesday, August 11, 2021, Noon to 1:30 PM:
The Brilliance of Tobacco Cessation for Improved Oral Health
Tobacco use is a long-standing threat to optimal oral health. Listen as we explore the effects of tobacco use on the mouth as well as the tobacco cessation methods available for dental professionals and their patients. The team from the Tobacco Prevention and Control Program at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services will discuss the Missouri Quitline as well as other cessation resources.
Presenters: Valerie Howard, MSW, Assistant Bureau Chief, Tobacco Prevention and Control and Building Communities for Better Health Programs, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services; Kim Robertson, Communications/Promotions Specialist, Tobacco Prevention and Control Program, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Webinar Three: Thursday, August 12, 2021, Noon to 1:30 PM:
Oral Health Advocates in Action – Local Success
Community water fluoridation is a local issue in Missouri, leaving the decision at the level of local government through the county commission, city council or water board. Local oral health advocates are key to influencing sound decisions at the local level. Learn from the experience of one group of advocates in a recent challenge to community water fluoridation.
Presenters: Sherry Cauley, Chief Executive Officer with Upward Smiles; Brittany Marie Freese RDH, Dental Hygienist and Mobile Manager, Upward Smiles; Dr. Tonya Long DMD, Dentist Park Hills, MO; Dr. Megann Scott DDS, Dentist Farmington, MO; and Gwen Sullentrup, Community Water Fluoridation and Dental Sealant Coordinator, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Office of Dental Health will also do a brief presentation.
Webinar Four: Wednesday, August 18, 2021, Noon to 1:30 PM:
Safe and Effective Public Water Fluoridation
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expert for an overview of public water fluoridation. Safe storage and handling practices as well as system setup options will be discussed. An introduction and in-depth overview of the Office of Dental Health Community Water Fluoridation sector at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services will also be provided.
Presenters: Theresa “Tracy” Boehmer, P.E. is a Fluoridation Engineer with the Division of Oral Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gwen Sullentrup, Community Water Fluoridation and Dental Sealant Coordinator, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Office of Dental Health will also do a brief presentation.
This continuing education activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the standards of the ADA Continuing education recognition program (ADA CERP) through joint efforts between Missouri Primary Care Association and the Missouri Coalition for Oral Health. The Missouri Primary Care Association (MPCA) is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. MPCA designates this activity for 1.5 continuing education credits. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at www.ada.org/cerp. For further information contact Karen Dent, Oral Health Network of Missouri Director, 3325 Emerald Lane, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109, 573-636-4222, kdent@mo-pca.org.
MCOH Executive Director delivers address for the 2021 graduating class of the ATSU MO School of Dentistry and Oral Health https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEi_5XZJn9g&t=1887s
Dental Services and COVID-19:
A Guide to Dental Visits After COVID-19 Outbreak
What Should I Do If I Have Tooth or Mouth Pain?
Teledentistry is available in Missouri now and can help with access to care - Learn more.
MCOH Webinar: Teledentistry in Missouri During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Missouri DHSS, the MDA, ADA, and CDC are recommending non-emergency dental care to be suspended for the coming weeks. Further information on these recommendations can be found below:
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
If you are needing to locate low-cost emergency dental services, resources are available below:
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Missouri Primary Care Association
COVID Hotline: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: 877-435-8411
2021 Oral Health Policy Conference Materials
2020 Oral Health Policy Conference Materials
2019 Oral Health Policy Conference Materials
2018 Oral Health Policy Conference Materials
2017 Oral Health Policy Conference Materials
The Missouri Coalition for Oral Health actively engages in OPEN
