Michigan gets a C for getting dental services to kids in need
Michigan is among 36 states earning a grade of C or below for its policies that ensure low-income kids get proper dental health care, according to a new Pew Center on the States report.
According to that report, Michigan earned a C for not hitting certain benchmarks in its ability to reduce the number of children with untreated tooth decay.
For example, in the school year 2005 to 2006, one in four third graders had untreated tooth decay. The Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2010 objectives had called for states to have fewer than 21 percent of kids with untreated decay.
Dental health is important, the report says, because dental health problems can lead to more serious complications later in life and have been linked with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke, the report says.
One bright spot for the state:Â Michigan is one of six that have "gone the furthest" in raising reimbursement rates and minimized administrative hurdles. The result has been a larger number of physicians willing to accept Medicaid-enrolled patients.
The report suggests school-based sealant programs, community water fluoridation, Medicaid improvements and workforce models that expand the number of qualified dental providers within the states are needed.
Tina Reed covers health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. You can reach her at tinareed@annarbor.com, call her at 734-623-2535 or find her on Twitter @TreedinAA.
Comments
snapshot
Tue, Feb 23, 2010 : 6:42 p.m.
Some parents just don't know about proper dental care let alone afford it. Also kids need supervision to learn how to brush properly and developing the habit takes time and effort. Some parents have neither the time or the expertise. I think the U of M could reach out more. Treating 100 kids for free is a good thing. 10,000 would be a better thing. This should be a wake up call that what is common to one is not necessarily so common for others.
mlane10
Tue, Feb 23, 2010 : 2:45 p.m.
How is it that 25% of the state's 3rd graders are living, in 2005-2006, with "untreated tooth decay?" Are there that many families without adequate insurance in Michigan? It seems that, beyond the obvious ignorance people may have about any links between oral health and other health issues, that people would be having their children brush their teeth whether they could afford dental care or not. I don't know how a person's teeth can decay unless they are simply neglected.
aes
Tue, Feb 23, 2010 : 2:04 p.m.
Michigan (the State) may get a C for children's dental care but the University of Michigan Dental School gets an A+. "Give Kids a Smile" held on February 6th, from 9 till 2, provided free dental care (checking, cleaning, x-raying, filling small cavities) for 100 children. The staff of dental professionals, students, and volunteers were both competent and friendly. A great annual event!