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Promoting Oral Health for South Florida

Promoting Oral Health for South Florida. A Community Dialogue sponsored by the Health Foundation of South Florida. October 15, 2007. Policy Interventions. James T. Howell, M.D., M.P.H. Chair, Dept. of Rural Medicine Professor of Public Health Nova Southeastern University.

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Promoting Oral Health for South Florida

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  1. Promoting Oral Health for South Florida A Community Dialogue sponsored by the Health Foundation of South Florida October 15, 2007

  2. Policy Interventions James T. Howell, M.D., M.P.H. Chair, Dept. of Rural Medicine Professor of Public Health Nova Southeastern University

  3. Boom Time for Dentists, but Not for TeethN.Y. Times, Oct. 11, 2007 • Dental fees ↑ faster than inflation • >100 million lack dental insurance • Untreated cavities ↑ this decade • ½ century of improvement reversed • 27% of children, 29% of adults had untreated cavities: highest since mid 80’s

  4. “Charity is not a healthcare system.“ • Terry Dickinson, D.M.D.Executive DirectorVirginia Dental Association

  5. What’s good about dental care? • Advocacy for fluoridation and sealants • Highest quality in the world • Emphasis on prevention • Strong doctor-patient relationships • Volunteer care often given

  6. National Debate –MedicalUniversal coverage & access • > 46 million uninsured • #1 reason for person bankruptcies • # 2 concern of voting public • Lack of access to specialty care • Challenge of managing lifestyle disease • Adherence to evidence based medicine

  7. Status of government dental programs • Access to and participation in Medicaid & SCHIP highly variable • State and federal programs ↓ reimbursement • Dental coverage for elderly usually not addressed • Broken appointments and adherence to follow-up care are significant challenges • Many patients present with acute and advanced dental disease

  8. Status of Dental Insurance • ↑ cost of medical insurance burdensome to employers & workers • ↓ employee participation in dental insurance programs • Providers lack of participation in some insurance programs (PPO vs. HMO)

  9. Where do we go from here? • Dental care important part of health care • Periodontal disease is linked to preterm birth • Needs higher profile in national debate • Advocacy for services and funding in Medicaid and SCHIP needed • Addressing prevention and early intervention critical in all programs

  10. Where do we go from here? • Services should be available to relieve pain, suffering and infection. • Importance of County HDs playing advocacy role • Need to expand dental schools and open new ones. • ↑ Utilization of dental therapists • Public education to reduce fear of dental procedures

  11. What about the patient? • Need for personal responsibility: • Healthy eating, daily care of teeth & gums, keeping dental appointments • School health education programs must emphasize dental health • Cosmetic dental procedures remain fee for service

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