Using Community Solutions to Meet Oral Health Needs

In an October 11th New York Times article, Boom Times for Dentists but Not for Teeth, Alex Berenson discusses the challenges that we face in meeting the oral health needs of coming generations. Today, we have fewer dental professionals fully trained and practicing than at any time in the past 25 years. This lack of access to dental care is a growing problem for all children and families, regardless of their income level. Berenson notes that the need for new dental professionals and dental schools is growing at a rate that we will not be able to keep up with unless action is taken immediately.

Dental disease is the most common chronic childhood disease and also affect our children in their educational progress. Fortunately, dental disease is almost entirely preventable. To ensure that our children's dental needs are met, communities must work collaboratively and creatively to bring preventive services and treatments into our schools and pediatric offices. By offering dental screenings and treatment in these settings, we can prevent the majority of dental disease from ever occurring.

Click here to read the full article

top