Dr. Dushanka Kleinman, Associate Dean for Research and Academic Affairs, was featured in today's Washington Post in an article about the need to include dental health in health care reform. The article is titled: "Putting Teeth in Health-Care ReformAdvocates Press to Have Dental Issues Addressed: 'We're Always Left Out.'
Dr. Kleinman, a board certified specialist in dental public health and a contributor to several Surgeon General reports on the subject, said the dentists and public health experts must be active participants in the discussion about health reform. Here's a snippet from the article:
"There is still time for this inclusion," Kleinman said, adding: "We must especially address the design of new programs to meet the needs of low-income and under-served populations."
To read the entire article, click this link. Kudos to Dr. Kleinman for her voice of support on this important issue.
Yes, dental care should be included in the health care reform as poor dental health can contribute to coronary heart disease.
ReplyDeleteDespite Brazil is not amomg the richiest countries we have here one of the most atractives dental health care plan.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rick in that we need to be super aware that our dental health plays a big role in our overall health- I think this is a fact that many of us are not aware of.
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful that in Australia there is such a high government rebate for medical expenses. I hope that the USA will actively provide programs to help low income earners especially with young children.
ReplyDeletebut how can a poor family who's priority is there daily food consumption?
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I agree with Rick about how dental care should be brought to the forefront of health care reform. I don't think enough is being done to highlight the importance of dental hygiene and going to the dentist for routine cleanings and procedures.
ReplyDeleteOutside of elementary school I rarely hear people talk about the importance of going to the dentist. And in the past I was one of those people that never flossed (still don't floss as much as I should) and rarely visited the dentist, which has come back to haunt me. But glad to see somebody getting some recognition.
wow so do you mean even poor people in Brazil have a nice teeth?
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Teeth, one of the important organs in the body that must always be in care. Teeth become vulnerable because this is related to the food we eat, always consult regularly can be a good solution. Thanks. ~ Gigi
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, I wish more people realized the importance of dental health. Medical health insurance is always at the forefront but it's time we realized people need help with other aspects of health care.
ReplyDeleteLots of us over look the importance of dental health and oral hygiene. We must realize that our mouth is one of the most important parts of our body, because this is where we ingest everything into our bodies at. So it's crucial for us to keep our mouths and teeth well maintained, because without healthy teeth, we can't eat effectively.
ReplyDeleteI remain puzzled about why the world remains so short of dentists. I know it takes a lot of time and money to train a dentist, but why should it be so difficult for mankind to channel efforts to where they produce results?
ReplyDeleteDental Health should be included i guess. Our teeth is very important that is why we need information.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing that dental care often gets short shrift. Unfortunately dental insurance is backwards in the US. Dental plans pay for the predictable expenses that people should budget for (cleanings, fillings etc) but does not pay for the big expenses as there is always an annual maximum on plans of $1-2000. We need coverage that first kicks in when the dollar amounts get high, not one that pays for predictable "maintenance" type expenses. that was never the purpose of insurance.
ReplyDeletedental health is very important to overall health. i feel it needs to be included
ReplyDeleteUntreated Dental problems: The percentage of adults not getting getting treatment is 23%
ReplyDeleteSource: Health, US 2010
This is a lot of people not getting treatment. The health system is failing too many.
I agree that dental health is much too important not to be included in the health care reform and the sooner the better.
ReplyDeleteAt the very least basic dental health care should be part of any national health care system. Many children end up with dental health issues that last long after childhood is in the past. By that time the problems are so severe that nothing but lots and lots of money will fix them.
ReplyDeleteIt seems teeth and the oral areas are often the most neglected until it is to late. Proper habits should be demonstrated early to avoid these problems in this vital area.
ReplyDeletedental health is very essential for every one.so we should checkup our dental.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Dentists are really doctors. They are even more helpful than some doctors. They should be more involved in health topics.
ReplyDeleteI too wish dental was tied in more closely with general health, as good dental habits can contribute to healthier lifestyles.
ReplyDeleteI doubt Dental coverage will be included in health care reform in 2014. Group rates are very low for dental coverage.
ReplyDeleteDental health is so important and to intertwined with overall health for example, preliminary screening for oral cancer. During an oral exam, your dentist looks over the inside of your mouth to check for red or white patches or mouth sores.
ReplyDeleteMany people have abnormal sores in their mouths, with the great majority being noncancerous. An oral exam can't determine which sores are cancerous and which are not. But If your dentist finds an unusual sore he will recommend further testing to determine its cause and get you into a treatment early, its so imprtant.
While I think dental coverage is extremely important, we have to realize that with the budget strain we are already under, any health care reform is unlikely to have anything but very basic coverage.
ReplyDeleteDental health insurance is so important yet it can easily be overlooked. Something should be done to ensure that everyone gets good dental care all the time.
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