The American Academy Of Pediatric Dentistry

Oral health has a direct impact on the general health, hence, it is important that all Canadians have adequate access to dental care services. Over the years successive Governments have reduced financial support to programs delivering dental care to most vulnerable populations. As a result, many low income families and other vulnerable groups have been unable to access dental care. There is further escalation in the disparities in oral health care among Canadians, as the number of Canadians losing dental care benefits continues to increase. Also, higher oral health care costs can be expected in the near future due to shortage of health care professionals.

The authors have properly addressed the health disparities in this article. They started the article by telling the audience why Hispanic faces health disparities the most. First, due to the language barrier they have insufficient knowledge of oral health. Most the people who participated in this study were immigrants, Spanish. Only 2/3 of the people spoke and understood little to no English. Second, because of the poverty they have can’t afford dental health and avoid going to see the dentist. ¾ of the parents received an income of $2,000 or under per month. Third, many of the families did not have any type of dental insurance.

In the course of my time volunteering at the UCSD Student-Run Free Dental Clinics, I came to understand how poverty, language barriers, and a lack of knowledge about the importance of dental care can lead to readily preventable and treatable dental problems. These dental problems can lead to a cascade of issues, preventing an individual’s progress. As a clinic volunteer inside the school’s dental clinic, I noticed young students, with poor dental care, have constant pain that affected their studies and attitude. I recall a Hispanic young boy telling me he was sharing a toothbrush with his family. I hand over multiple toothbrushes and, using Spanish cards, educate him on oral hygiene. With each treatment visit, he was eager to tell the dentist

This proves that the lack of dental insurance within these low-income households plays a key role in whether or not these children will receive dental care. When these children do not visit the dentist, they increase their chances of developing dental caries significantly. The British Dental Journal disclosed that, “Sugars consumption varies by social class. National food surveys reveal a higher consumption of sugar and sugar-containing foods and drinks amongst low income groups”(Watt 8). Healthy food is expensive; therefore lower class families resort to unhealthy food because it is significantly cheaper. This extensive consumption of sugar-ridden foods is extremely detrimental to the enamel. The British Dental Journal also declared that “oral inequalities will only be reduced through the implementation of effective and appropriate oral health promotion policy”(Watt 6). The dental program will make the inequalities in dental care known and work to reduce those inequalities. Dental health is often times overseen because it is typically expensive and people are unaware of how the condition of their teeth affects the condition of the rest of their body. The all-inclusive dental health program will give people the treatment they need, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

The socioeconomic background of people is a major factor that dictates whether or not they will receive dental care. According to the American Journal of Public Health, “Children from a low socioeconomic status have been shown to have a high risk of dental caries”(Simmer-Beck 1764). Many children today do not receive the dental care they need because of their parents’ income. Going to the dentist is expensive for people without dental insurance so many people tend to blow it off; but what they don’t realize is that the condition of their mouth often dictates the state of the rest of their health. An internet source in correspondence with the American Journal of Public Health stated that, “More than half of low income-children without

Lack of access to dental health services and providers also affects utilization rates within the adult Medicaid population (Licata & Paradise, 2012; Davis., Deinard &, Maïga, 2010; MacDougall, 2016; Hinton & Paradise 2016; PEW Center on the

Oral health care is an integral part of the US healthcare system. In 2012, Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced “The Comprehensive Dental Reform Act”, which aimed on expanding dental coverage, accessible oral health care centers, increase in dental workforce, enhanced dental education and encourage dental research. (Congress.gov). The ACA, aim to curb the national health spending, by facilitating the affordability to quality care through private and public health insurance. The purpose of this bill is to cut the healthcare costs and to reverse the “silent epidemic” of dental health status (surgeon gen). This dental bill with an integrated approach towards the preventive and comprehensive oral healthcare is estimated to provide coverage to almost 17.7 million adults. (ADA

accept Medicaid and this might result in higher utilization in particular wards over others. We did not have information about parental marital status and other private insurance, which could be used for dental services and not reflect in Medicaid billing data. Also, there could be a potential bias due to delayed reporting of the data which might not be included in the dataset when we received it. Also, Centre for Medicaid Services (CMS) uses the information from these datasets and presents it by financial year whereas this analysis was done by calendar year, which may not match with the generally available information. Also, the composition of Medicaid population might not be a true representation of over-all population. People having private dental insurance might have a different utilization pattern for assigned dental home and preventive dental services. We also feel that the information of ward might not be an accurate representation of utilization since people may seek services from a provider in different wards than the one in which they reside. Having data about unique providers, along with unique patient might make a robust database to get more accurate information. Last but not the least, we restricted our definition preventive dental services to a combination of examination and fluoride application, which is not the same as followed by

Many people feel that dental care coverage in health insurance and visiting the dentist regularly are not essential. However, poor oral hygiene is linked to diseases such as diabetes and heart problem. Moreover, researches has shown that oral diseases have a great link to ear and sinus infections, weakened immune systems, and other health conditions (Scully, 2000). Untreated dental conditions have the potential to affect children’s speech, social development, and quality of life. However, it is known that greater utilization of health services associated with increasing insurance coverage, thus directly increase medical costs (Finkelstein et al., 2012; Newhouse, 1996). In fact, insurance coverage can indirectly reduce total health costs. As one type of healthcare service or preventive treatment may lead to decreases the use of other covered services. For example, yearly visit to the dental office for general checkup may prevent the future need for emergency dental care due to undiagnosed or untreated dental cavity (Hsu et al., 2006; Kaestner, 2012; Shang & Goldman, 2007).

I hope to attend the UIC so that I can deepen my knowledge of pediatric dentistry and my ability to work with special needs patients. I appreciate the school’s passion for helping the most vulnerable patients and its focus on research-based clinical training, as this contributes to a vibrant intellectual environment that develops the quality of pediatric care. Upon completing this pediatric program, I will serve children and special needs patients with increased skill, engage in increasingly relevant research, and develop my ability to effectively train dental students. This program is strong in both its clinical and research aspects, making it exactly what I am looking

In America, the number of retiring dentists exceeds the number of graduating dentists annually (Friedman & Mathu-Muju, 2014). Deficits related to this statistic leave low income families, especially children, lacking the dental care and education necessary to maintain a healthy dentition throughout their lifetime. Out of the 43 million children enrolled in Medicaid only 12-49% receives any type of dental care; this is partially related to the fact that only 20% of dentists accept Medicaid patients (Friedman & Mathu-Muju, 2014). Also, for those living in rural areas a trip to the dentist can become a chore. Here in Kansas 84% of our population live in a dental desert, meaning they have no access to dental care, nationally 49 million Americans face this problem (PBS Source). Current dental models have divided the population into two groups, those who can afford preventative and restorative care, and those who cannot. Training dental therapists to

Further, organized dentistry can develop several strategies to increase access to dental care and delivery of quality dental health services that are substantial for children with special dental needs. For example, strategies to increase the number of providers with appropriate training to treat CSHCN. Further, to increase providers' participation in the Medicaid program and improving their knowledge, empathy for and training to accommodate in care of children with special needs which is essential in improving access to dental care for this population. Further, it is important to integrate a training of dental students (both primary and comprehensive preventive and oral health care) who graduate from dental or dental hygiene schools to be competent in assessing treatment needs. Lastly, dental students must learn how to care for children with special needs that follow the guidelines of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (Al Agili et al., 2004). In conclusion, health insurance coverage showed positive impact on access and utilization of health care for CSHCN. Health insurance should not be viewed as a solution in itself, but instead as one element of a comprehensive strategy to provide financial safety for CSHCN and their

Dental Hygiene is very important to me and has been since I was a child, this has influenced my desire of becoming a pediatric dentist. In a personal interview i conducted with Dr.Bills she informed me of this, “Dental Hygiene is emphasized by all dentists, we want our patients to have elegant white teeth and pleasant breath”(Bills). I would like to teach children the importance of keeping their teeth brushed so that they will have a beautiful smile and healthy teeth. Pediatric Dentistry is a superb fit for me because I care about dental health and I want children to know the importance as well. It is never too early for children to learn how important dental hygiene is.

The sixth issue identified in Newark is dental care. Mouth and surrounding craniofacial health is the central to a person’s health. The limited access to dental care contributes to higher rates of oral disease. Only 37% of residence of the NBIMC service area felt that they had access to low cost dental care. In 2014, fourth most common emergency department visits as due to dental conditions in both Essex County and New Jersey. The majority (79%) of residents claim that they have visited a dentist at least once within the past year. Caucasians residents go to the dentist most frequent. In addition, the community survey identified improved access to dental care as needed and NBIMC is equipped to address this health need. Dental clinics in

Although considered preventable, 53.6% of Medicaid eligible kindergarteners studied in California had a history of dental caries and 27.8 % had decay present at the time of the screening (Dental Health Foundation, 2006). Teaching young children effective oral hygiene techniques is the most effective way to protect the child’s teeth and help them to develop a daily oral wellness routine ("Dental Health," 2015). By focusing on those most in need, Medicaid eligible preschool aged children, teaching and reinforcing effective oral hygiene strategies early in life will foster a lifelong habit of oral health wellness (Gardner, Lally, & Wardle, 2012).