Oral Health Kansas Awarded Grant to Enhance Dental Care for Individuals with Disabilities

Oral Health Kansas is proud to announce that it has been awarded the ARPA 9817 Project grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment – Division of Health Care Finance (KDHE-DHCF). This funding will be used to improve access to oral health services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who receive Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). The grant also aims to reduce barriers caregivers encounter when supporting oral health care at home and to create a culture that values oral health as a part of overall health for Kansans of all ages, cultures and resources.

“We are pleased to receive this transformative funding that allows us to join forces with our partners to break down barriers and expand dental care access for people with disabilities across Kansas,” said Tanya Dorf Brunner, executive director of Oral Health Kansas. “This grant is a testament to our ongoing work and dedication to building a truly inclusive oral health system where everyone’s needs are met with dignity and care.”

Oral Health Kansas will work alongside several key partners to execute this initiative, including InterHab, the Kansas Dental Association, Families Together Inc., the Community Care Network of Kansas, Self Advocate Coalition of Kansas, and many others.

Key Activities of the Grant Project Include:

1. Increasing Medicaid Dental Providers:
   A statewide media campaign, technical support, and education programs like Project ECHO will help dental offices enroll as Medicaid providers and build confidence in treating individuals with disabilities.

2. Expanding the Use of MyDental Care Passport:
   Outreach to dental offices, IDD service providers, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities will promote the Dental Passport, which improves communication and care coordination.

3. Training Programs for Providers and Consumers:
   New educational videos on adaptive aids, provider training through Project Accessible Oral Health, and the expansion of the Feeling Good About Your Smile program will enhance oral health literacy and care for people with disabilities.

This grant builds on years of work, including the Dental Passport initiative, Project ECHO series, and advocacy for improved Medicaid dental coverage. The funding allows Oral Health Kansas and its partners to continue removing barriers to oral health care for individuals with disabilities and ensure a stronger support system for caregivers.