Friday, June 17, 2011

Maine Voices: New study of the dental needs of Maine people will help a lot | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram

Maine is 80% fluoridated. Yet, tooth decay is rampant.

"You only have to go door-to-door once to hear a story you wish you hadn't. Horrific stories about actions taken by individuals to address the pain they suffer from oral disease. The numbers are staggering.

• More than 46 percent of MaineCare kids don't have access to oral health care.

• More than 20 percent of Maine third-graders have untreated cavities.

• Each of Maine's 16 counties has a federally designated oral health shortage area.

• Some estimates suggest nearly 250,000 Mainers, around one in five, don't have a dentist.

• Who suffers from lack of dental care? People in rural Maine, low-income people, seniors and veterans, and many others."

Maine Voices: New study of the dental needs of Maine people will help a lot | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram: