Here is a look at some recent news stories on dental health and dental access issues. I’ll regularly post news roundups like this. If you have any news stories you’d like me to highlight, let me know!
Palm Beach Post: Ignoring dental care, a popular way to economize, can come at high price
July 6, 2011
Sonja Isger talks about the dramatic and dangerous costs of putting off dental care. As the article explains, many people give up dental visits to cut costs when money is tight. Isger highlights some surprising dental access and cost statistics for both the nation and Florida.
Huffington Post: Why Oral Health Leads to Overall Health
July 5, 2011
Too often, dental care is viewed as a luxury or purely cosmetic. In this piece, Glenn Braunstein explains the connection between oral health and overall health and that there are links between dental disease and chronic disease. You can’t have a healthy body without a healthy mouth. That’s why access to dental care is so important – it’s critical to have routine exams to prevent problems and catch the signs of any infections or disease early.
Columbus Dispatch: Dental practitioner would benefit Ohio
July 4, 2011
In a letter to the editor, an Ohio resident says the state needs a midlevel provider to help meet the needs of people in Ohio. As I’ve said before, I also believe midlevel providers, particularly dental therapists, could help expand access to dental care in New Mexico. It’s interesting to see the Ohio perspective.
Los Angeles Times: Tooth decay is prevalent among poor children
July 1, 2011
In this article, Amanda Marscelli looks at the severe dental issues facing poor children in Los Angeles and across the country. The disparities are devastating. The piece includes some pretty shocking statistics; for example: one-fourth of the nation’s children have 80% of the nation’s tooth decay. As you’ll read in the article, poor children have the hardest time accessing dental care and they’re the ones who need it most.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Students find a subject worth sinking their teeth into
June 27, 2011
Jeremy Oslon profiles a student from the first class of students to complete a dental training program at the University of Minnesota that introduces at-risk high school students to the field of dentistry and supports them in earning their diplomas. I’m impressed by this innovative program. It’s encouraging to see that the University of Minnesota is trying to expand access to care while introducing these teenagers to a promising and important career.
