Oral Health

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Oral health is an important part of good health. Oral health problems impact the ability to eat and speak. Oral health is connected to serious health issues. Poor oral health causes problems with diabetes, heart disease and can lead to a stroke. Poor oral health has been linked to preterm or low birth weight babies. Good news, oral health problems are preventable. A healthy smile for life starts with healthy habits of brushing teeth two times a day and flossing daily. Drinking fluoridated water, using fluoride products like rinse and toothpaste that you can purchase at a store. Fluoride varnish applied at dental office visits also helps. Making smart food choices and good eating habits also impact oral health. It is also important to see the dentist at least yearly but twice is better.

The Missouri Office of Dental Health does not offer direct care like dental cleanings and fillings for cavities. We offer education on how to improve oral health. We are committed to helping provide resources and information for Missourians.

Teeth: Your body’s early warning system - Marielle Pariseau DMD

The oral health of Missouri’s children is in crisis. Find out what Missouri’s Office of Dental Health and other dental health providers are doing to improve oral health. Find out how to improve the oral health of Missouri’s children. Special thanks to Carol Berger, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, BS; Scott Argus, MA, MFA; Lilli Kayes, MFA; and Carl Leta for creating and providing this documentary.

Rural Children in Crisis: Access to Missouri Oral Care

Benefits of Fluoride in Drinking Water

Recent News – Fluoride in Drinking Water

Recent News

  • The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ Office of Dental Health is offering in-person Introduction to Water Fluoridation trainings. These will include a water plant tour at the completion of the training.

    The training is free! Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is providing seven hours of continuing education credits for Drinking Water Treatment and Distribution Certifications. Additionally, the Office of Dental health will provide seven hours of continuing education credits to dental professionals.

    Please complete a brief survey to sign up for one of the upcoming water fluoridation trainings. Detailed information will be emailed to attendees after registration.

    All classes will be 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Below are the dates and locations of the trainings.
    2/24/2026 – Poplar Bluff
    2/25/2026 – Cape Girardeau
    3/10/2026 – Higginsville
    3/17/2026 – Carthage
    3/18/2026 – Monett
    3/31/2026 – Kansas City, MO
    4/1/2026 – O’Fallon
    4/8/2026 – Chillicothe
    4/9/2026 – Shelbina
  • Office of Dental Health is excited to announce that dental hygienists are now eligible to receive loan repayment assistance through the health professionals loan repayment program (HPLRP). Delta Dental of Missouri provided funding to add dental hygienists to HPLRP. Go to Missouri HPLRP for more information.
  • Rural Parish Mobile Dental Clinic provides free services to people who do not have dental insurance. People must meet a low-income requirement.

    People ages 16 and up are seen. The dental services provided are oral exam, x-rays, cleaning, fillings, tooth removal and dentures.

    The dental van goes to Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, and Washington counties.

    A link to schedule an appointment is on the clinic website. The link is part of the clinic name title above. The contact form is at the bottom of the clinic webpage. 

    Below are the dates and locations for upcoming clinics.
    February 3-6, 2026, in Bloomsdale, MO
    February 10-15, 2026, in Troy, MO
    February 19 - March 4, 2026, in Cadet, MO
    March 12-14, 2026, at 3427 Washington Ave, St Louis, MO
    March 17-27, 2026, in Cedar Hill, MO
    April 7-17, 2026, in Bonne Terre
    April 16-27, 2026, in Union
    May 5-12, 2026, in Bloomsdale
    May 14-19, 2026, in Troy
    May 27-June 9, 2026, in Cadet
  • Smiles of Hope Dental Clinic - Only 15% of Veterans have dental coverage. It is difficult for them to find a dental provider and be able to pay for treatment. A. T. Still University and Affinia Healthcare are working together to provide dental treatment to Veterans utilizing dental students and Smiles for Veterans. The mission grew when they found Smiles of Hope. Funding is provided by Veterans United Foundation, Kauffman Foundation, Lighthouse Church, CareQuest and other generous groups. Thousands of Veterans are now able to proudly smile. The Missouri Office of Dental Health is proud to play a small part in this project. Click on the clinic name above to view the video about the clinics work to help veterans.
  • Dentists and Dental Hygienists play a crucial role in delivering health care. The MU Center for Health Policy invites Dentists and Dental Hygienists working in Missouri to participate in a confidential workforce survey. The collected data provides clarity to better understand the characteristics of the Dental and Dental Hygienist workforce in Missouri, including practice locations, specialties, availability, and demographic characteristics. Below are the two surveys for Dental Hygienists and Dentists. Learn More: MU Office of Health Outreach, Policy & Education, Missouri Health Care Workforce Project.
  • Be good to your Teeth: Regular flossing reduces risk of stroke, AFib
  • Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Missouri website offers free books for children under the age of 5 at no cost. Sign up your child for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics created a program for parents to help structure a nighttime routine for children. The program includes brushing teeth, reading a book and going to bed at a set time each night. Brush, Book, Bed program is designed for ages 0-6.
  • Do you know what fluoride varnish is? Learn more in this video: Fluoride Varnish – A Cavity Fighting Tool!
  • Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges is two years of research and writing by over 400 contributors. This report explores the nation’s oral health over the last 20 years. The report is a follow up to the Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health in America.