Letter to the Editor of the Hartford Courant
June 10, 2003 Dear Editor:
I want to commend
the Courant for bringing attention to the crisis in oral health for
children in Connecticut's Medicaid program ["Medicaid
System is Hard on Kid's Teeth," 6/8/03]. Kudos for shining some
light on a crucial factor that is often left out of the health care equation!
Too many believe that dental care is less important than other health
care. But nothing could be farther from the truth. Tooth decay is the
most common chronic childhood disease in Connecticut. Poor oral health
and the pain of tooth decay have been linked to learning problems, missed
school, and poor birth outcomes.
The sad part is that this is all preventable! The number one stumbling
block is not poor nutrition or parental faults. Children in Medicaid
simply do not have decent access to a dentist because dentists are not
paid a living wage to provide care to Medicaid recipients.
While the predicament for children on Medicaid seeking oral care is
tragic, the situation is far worse for adults. One of the bright spots
for children are school-based health centers that offer dental care.
Transportation challenges and securing scarce appointments with private
providers are not an issue when children receive care in school. The
centers provide the highest quality care to thousands of Connecticut's
most needy children who would otherwise have nowhere to turn.
However, Connecticut's school based dental clinics and other safety
net providers face ever-growing challenges. These clinics provide care
to anyone who comes through their doors, regardless of their ability
to pay. But because of the state's chronic under-funding of Medicaid,
together with slash and burn budget cuts, these providers are threatened.
Legislators and the Governor must act now and reverse the neglect of
Connecticut's oral health system, especially for those most at need.
I urge readers to copy the June 8 article and contact their representative
to underscore the importance of oral health among Medicaid recipients,
be they adult (where large cuts have been discussed) or children, between
now and the special session -- so that they restore vital oral health
care funding.
Sincerely,
Howard Mark, DMD
President, Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI)
101 West Ridge Drive
West Hartford, CT 06117
(860) 232-9486
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