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By Mary Kuhlman
February is National Dental Health Month, and experts say keeping those “pearly whites” healthy is a challenge for nearly half of Ohio’s residents.
David Maywhoor, project director for the Dental Access Now campaign, says access to affordable oral health care is beyond the reach of many. He calls it the state’s top unmet health need.
“There is a crisis in terms of dental care and steps need to be taken to provide care for people who are suffering every day because they’re not able to access a dentist.”
Maywhoor says low-income communities are among those most keenly affected by the provider shortage. He believes it is an issue that should be taken seriously by state leaders, because poor dental care can lead to serious health problems.
Janis Sunderhaus agrees. She manages a community health center, CE Health Partners of Western Ohio, Lima, and says dentists there cannot keep up with demand. With a waiting list of about 700, she says a typical day means between eight and 20 people are standing in line awaiting emergency dental services.
“I look at these people when they come into the health center. Their faces are swollen and they’re nauseous; they’ve been sick and they haven’t slept - anyone who sees these patients, there is no way you can separate what’s going on with them from their overall health.”
In Ohio, 25 percent of third graders have untreated cavities. Sunderhaus says developing proper habits at a young age can help children get a head start on a lifetime of good dental health. She notes, however, that many families are unable to afford dental care until there is a crisis.
“The real need is in being able to address those people with acute problems, but also have the workforce possible to be able to go out and do that preventative care.”
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than one million residents live in Ohio’s 59 federally-designated Health Professional Shortage Areas.
Smile Express
Locally, Smile Express, a mobile dental office operated by the Dental Center of Northwest Ohio, visits Mercy St. Charles Hospital monthly.
Service is available to persons with income at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines with or without dental insurance.
The 40-foot motor coach includes two operatories, digital x-ray equipment, water supply and generator. Licensed dentists and dental hygienists provide dental cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, extractions and dentures.
Appointments may be made by calling 1-866-378-6965. Most dental insurances, including Medicaid and Medicaid HMOs are accepted. Reduced fees are available for people without dental insurance. Uninsured children may be seen for $25 per appointment. Uninsured adults are charged a reduced fee.
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