Oral
Health

Northern Kentucky Healthy Smiles Program

The NKY Healthy Smiles Program, offered by the Northern Kentucky Health Department, focuses on providing no-cost oral health services to children in the area. These services include dental assessments, cleanings, fluoride varnish, and dental sealants, primarily through school-based programs. The program aims to improve children’s oral health and connect them with local dentists for ongoing care.

Program Overview

After conducting an assessment, Health Department staff can place protective dental sealants on the molars of children that show a need, provide dental cleanings, and apply fluoride to strengthen the teeth.

If tooth decay is found, students are referred to a local dentist for follow up.

The Health Department also provides fluoride varnish to Northern Kentucky children up to age 6 through the county health centers, or through partnerships with area Head Start facilities, elementary and preschools, and community early learning centers. Fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.

• Program Overview 
• Program Overview Spanish
• Consent Form
• Consent Form Spanish
• Privacy Statement

School Personnel

Information for school staff who will be coordinating the oral health program in their respective schools:

• FAQs for teachers and staff
• NKY Health-School Responsibilites
• Dental Program Participation Agreement  (Sign and return)

Resources and Information

• Medicaid Dentists in Northern Kentucky (Spanish included)
• Cincinnati Children’s Dentistry (Spanish)
• Boone County Dentists
• Campbell County Dentists
• Grant County Dentists
• Kenton County Dentists

Adult Dental/Oral Health Program

The Northern Kentucky Adult Dental Assistance Program connects eligible adults who live in Boone, Campbell and Kenton Counties with dentists to provide basic services at no charge to the patient. There may be a waiting list for services based on the number of applications received for your county of residence.

Funding for this program is provided by the Fiscal Courts of Boone, Campbell, and Kenton Counties.

Family Size                  2025 Monthly Income Limit
1                                                       $2,609
2                                                       $3,525
3                                                       $4,442
4                                                       $5,359
5                                                       $6,275
6                                                       $7,192
7                                                       $8,109

Who is Eligible?

To get dental services through this program, you must meet three criteria:

1. Live in Boone, Campbell or Kenton County, Kentucky
2. Have no or limited insurance that covers dental services, including Medicaid
3. Be at or below the monthly income limit listed below for your family size.

What Services are Covered?

• Oral health exams
• X-rays
• Cleanings
• Deep cleanings
• Fillings
• Extractions (removal of teeth)
• Dentures/Partials
• Other services with prior approval.

How Do I Enroll?

1. Complete an application and sign a Consent and Rules Form (available online or in person).
2. Submit the completed application and the required documents to the NKY Health program coordinator. You may fax the application and documents to 859-578-3689 or drop them off at the Boone, Campbell or Kenton County Health Center or the NKY Health District Office.  Click HERE for locations.
3. The program coordinator will contact you after reviewing your application and the documents to notify you if you are enrolled and help you pick a dentist in the program to see. Enrollment in the program can only be completed after all the required documents are provided and approved by the program coordinator.

What Else Do I Have to Submit?

These are the additional papers that you will have to submit with your completed application:

• Copy of your photo ID
• Copy of your TOTAL HOUSEHOLD proof of income (e.g. pay stubs, income tax return, SSA, disability, alimony, child support, government assistance including SNAP benefits)
• Copy of proof of county of residence going back 60 days (e.g., utility bill or other bill). In order to qualify for services you must have lived in your county for 60 days.
• Signed Consent and Rules Form (click HERE to print)

Enrollment can only be completed after all required documents are provided and approved by the program coordinator. Missing/incorrect paperwork will significantly delay approval and treatment. Upon approval, the program coordinator will contact you with an assigned dentist. There may be a waiting list for services based on the number of applications received.