A Breif history of the Kent county oral health coalition

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Established in 2011, the Kent County Oral Health Coalition began as a collaborative of organizations dedicated to improving the oral health of their constituencies, with a specific focus on those with limited access to care. Initially, stakeholders focused on access to clinical dental care for children on Medicaid, with the mission quickly expanding to encompass the entire Kent County population, particularly underserved, low-income adults and seniors. 

During this formative period, the KCOHC identified volunteer leaders in Dr. Ed Cox, an area pediatrician, and Dr. Colette Smiley, an area general dentist. The Coalition benefited from a home at Health Net of West Michigan, a nonprofit dedicated to improving community health, including oral health, by addressing the social determinants of health. 

The KCOHC grew through a range of advocacy efforts and educational events.

• A Kent County Health Department/My Community Dental Centers partnership in the establishment of additional access clinics in Kent County.
• The expansion of the Health Kids Dental Program to Kent County.
• Expanded procedures and enhanced benefits to MDHHS Adult Dental Medicaid. 
• Educating the community about Health Kids Dental and Adult Dental Medicaid benefits.
• Senior Dental Days with the local community college’s dental programs.
• Meeting with area legislators.
• Attendance at community events such as Trunk-or-Treats, Back-to-School Kickoffs, and Early Childhood Resource Fairs.

Today, the KCOHC continues to drive change through coalition-building, assisting partners in integrating oral health into their work, education, and advocacy. By maintaining a broad network of stakeholders, the coalition operates on the principle that oral health is inseparable from overall health.