Supporting
Oral Health in Missouri
We bring together providers, communities, and policymakers to improve oral health across Missouri through advocacy, education, and prevention—because everyone deserves access to quality dental care.
%
Accessed Dental Services
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.
Our Mission
Improved Oral Health for All
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 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 communities.
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.
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.
Public Water Fluoridation Toolkit
National Legislative Toolkit
Tobacco Cessation for Oral Health
Missouri Legislative Toolkit
Advancing Veteran Oral Health
decreasing Tooth Decay
Prevention Matters
People drinking fluoridated water have 20-40 percent less tooth decay.
As of 2022, Missouri ranked 26th in the nation for public water fluoridation.
76.4 percent of Missouri residents are receiving the optimal level of fluoride to prevent tooth decay2.
OUR GOALS
2022–2026 Strategic Plan
Our advocacy efforts will focus on expanding access to care, strengthening prevention programs, supporting providers, and ensuring that every Missourian can get the care they need.
We will work with providers, communities, and policymakers to improve oral health across Missouri to achieve the following goals:
Expand Access to Dental Care
Expanding access to care remains one of the most important steps toward improving overall health outcomes across the state.
We will work to ensure that more Missourians are able to receive timely, affordable dental services—especially children, seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and families enrolled in Medicaid.
This reflects a statewide commitment to ensuring that all Missourians have access to comprehensive, high-quality oral health care.
Key priorities:
- Increasing provider participation in Medicaid
- Strengthening dental care access in rural and underserved communities
- Supporting care for veterans and individuals with special health care needs
Strengthen Prevention and Public Health
Prevention remains one of the most effective ways to improve oral health and reduce long-term health costs.
Our agenda will support community-based programs and public health policies that help prevent dental disease before it starts.
Key priorities:
- Protecting and expanding community public water fluoridation
- Increasing access to dental sealants and preventive services for children
- Supporting tobacco and vaping cessation initiatives
- Promoting oral health education and public awareness
Support a Strong Oral Health Workforce
A healthy workforce is essential to ensuring consistent access to care. We will advocate for policies and programs that help recruit, train, and retain dental professionals across Missouri.
Key priorities:
- Expanding workforce development and training opportunities
- Supporting providers who serve Medicaid and high-need populations
- Strengthening dental teams and community-based providers
- Improving practice sustainability and provider support
Promote Smart Policy and System Improvements
Policy decisions directly impact how and where people receive care. Our advocacy work will focus on strengthening health systems and ensuring policies support patients, providers, and communities.
We will work with policymakers, providers, and community partners to develop practical, sustainable policy solutions that improve health outcomes across Missouri.
Key priorities:
- Improving Medicaid dental benefits and utilization
- Supporting integration of oral health into overall health care
- Advancing policies that improve care coordination and access
- Encouraging data-driven decision-making and accountability
Engage Communities and Build Awareness
Meaningful change will happen when communities are informed and involved.
We will work to empower residents, providers, and organizations to advocate for better oral health policies and services.
Key priorities:
- Increasing public awareness about the importance of oral health
- Supporting community outreach and education programs
- Encouraging advocacy and civic engagement
- Building partnerships across health, education, and community organizations
GET INVOLVED
Be Part of the Change
Raise Awareness
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.