Keep the North Country Smiling
Keep the North Country Smiling
The Keep the North Country Smiling (KNCS) coalition, comprised of local health departments, dental providers, pediatric primary care providers, and health and human service agencies across Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties, is working regionally to address significant adverse health indices related to poor oral health throughout the region.
Keep the North Country Smiling 2025-2030 goals include:
Integrate oral health into systems, policies, and programs which improve overall health
Activities and strategies include exploring, supporting, and providing technical assistance for an expanded scope of services for medical providers, namely fluoride varnish treatment.
Prevent oral diseases and address risk factors through evidence-based interventions
This goal is rooted in providing unwavering support for community water fluoridation as an effective preventive tool, especially for underprivileged youth. Activities include being “at the ready” with tools and resources to support keeping or improving community water fluoridation, as well as providing helpful and accurate information through health promotion campaigns.
Increase capacity, diversity, and flexibility of the workforce to meet the needs of Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence County populations
Strategies include creating or supporting opportunities for professional development for medical partners, primarily around FVT and tongue tie. Additionally, there is a component that seeks to support developing the workforce pipeline for oral health, particularly around hygienists and other oral health professionals.
Coordinate outreach programs; implement education, and health literacy campaigns to promote wellness and access to oral health care and cleaning resources for proper oral health for all children.
KNCS will explore opportunities for family and community engagement to provide education and access to oral health resources. Beyond this, the group will conduct health promotion campaigns to further promote critical information to providers and families.
Contact Allison Roselle at 315-786-3710 to ask questions or become involved with the coalition.
Community Water Fluoridation
Fluoride: What it is, and Why it Matters for Individual and Community Health
Fluoride is nature's way to fight tooth decay.
