Healthy teeth and gums aren’t a luxury. They’re essential.
That’s because our dental health has an impact on our overall health and neglecting one can negatively impact the other. That’s why the American Dental Association (ADA) is launching Action for Dental Health: Dentists Making a Difference, a nationwide campaign aimed at boldly addressing the dental health crisis facing America today.
All Americans deserve good dental health
A new survey by Harris Interactive confirms there is a dental health crisis in America today, especially for lower-income adults. An analysis by the ADA’s Health Policy Resources Center (HPRC) shows the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will offer little relief for adult Americans who lack dental coverage. Read the full analysis.
The causes of the dental health crisis are varied and complex. But we know that for each of us – and for the nation as a whole – it’s never too late to get on top of our dental health. Action for Dental Health aims to prevent dental disease before it starts and reduce the proportion of adults and children with untreated dental disease. Our goal is to help all Americans attain their best oral health. Read more about the goals for Action for Dental Health.
Three-pronged action plan
Action for Dental Health is comprehensive in its approach and scope and is designed to address the dental health crisis in three distinct areas:
- Provide care now to people who are suffering, including the uninsured who are more likely to visit an emergency room for relief from dental pain, the elderly in nursing homes, and children from low-income families.
- Strengthen the dental safety net with more private practice dentists working with health centers and participating in Medicaid.
- Prevention and education through community water fluoridation, Community Dental Health Coordinators, and stronger collaboration between dentistry and medicine.
If you have any questions about your dental health, the impact of the Affordable Care Act, or your health coverage, please contact Moore Family Dental.