Solutions

We know that the results of not receiving timely preventive and treatment services are dramatic and can be devastating to overall health. Fortunately, we know what to do:

• Preventive measures such as dental sealants, fluoride treatments and early childhood screenings are all proven, effective methods for preventing dental disease in children. By supporting physicians and other health professionals’ ability to provide early childhood dental screenings, these important services can be rolled into a visit to the doctor’s office or the health center.


• Community water fluoridation is another safe and inexpensive preventive measure that can easily be added to public water supplies. Fluoride keeps tooth enamel strong and is highly effective in preventing dental decay and infection. With an average cost of $.50 per person per year, water fluoridation also saves millions in dental treatment and insurance costs. Many children in New England do not have access to fluoride in public water systems; this makes the use of sealants and fluoride rinses essential to keeping our children healthy and to give them the best start in school and in life.


• We must ensure continued access to health care for children by continued support for dental services through Medicaid and SCHIP – that’s MassHealth in Massachusetts, MaineCare in Maine, and New Hampshire Healthy Kids in New Hampshire.


• We need to find more creative ways to address the shortage of oral health providers in our states. We must turn our focus toward making the New England states desirable places for dentists, hygienists and other health professionals to live and practice.