Children In Maine Aren’t Receiving Enough Dental Care, According To Report
A national report, released on Tuesday, has stated that Maine is one of the ten low income states in which children are less likely to receive any dental care.
Not only that, the Pew Charitable Trusts have said that Maine is second in the country with dentists nearing retirement age (around 49% are aged 55 and older). Furthermore, the state is in the top 12 of residing in a dentist shortage area.
In a bid to battle these problems, the report suggests the introduction of dental hygiene therapists. Dental hygienists aim to prevent dental problems including tooth decay and gum disease for example. They are responsible for issuing oral health plans and in this case can even carry out extractions.
However, the Maine senate has rejected this proposition and is still debating the legislation which is set to go ahead in order for dental hygienist therapists to begin their work.
Mike Saxl, a leader in favour of the therapists, states that “there’s a huge opportunity to have a positive impact upon the kids’ health”. He then goes on to say that it’s a great chance for the children to gain some form of treatment, rather than have none at all.
The Maine Dental Association is still battling this prospect and suggests that the idea of the therapists is confusing to many as the report was of a substandard level. Jonathan Shenkin, a paediatric dentist states that the report is ineffective and confuses policy makers in taking the right path that in regards to oral health decisions. He also states that a mid-level provider such as a hygienist, performing dental extractions in the wrong approach.
Saxl finally argues that a hygienist can perform basic yet effective treatments at a lower cost than dental providers. He also states that this kind of care can be provided in schools to help children maintain good oral health during their earlier years too.
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