Florida dentists trying to raise standards of oral health
In light of worrying statistics relating to oral health amongst children, dentists and politicians in Florida are making efforts to improve children’s dental health.
The Pew Center 2010 report revealed that Florida has one of the worst records for looking after children and vulnerable people. Figures from the State Oral Health Improvement Plan for Disadvantaged Floridians also revealed that access to dental services for children is very poor in the state; the data confirmed that 15 counties do not have a paediatric dentist that accepts Medicaid and there are 15 counties without fluoridated water supplies.
In order to improve standards of oral health in Florida, a number of dentists and officials are taking steps towards a better dental care system; State Representative Charles Cheshunt has confirmed that he will sponsor a bill that will enable dentists to track cavity rates across the state; currently, Florida is only one of ten states that do not participate in this scheme. Cheshunt said that oral health is extremely important because it contributes to good general health; the cavity tracking programme would enable officials and health experts to gain an insight into general health trends, as well as keeping an eye on improvements or changes in standards of oral health.
In addition to the bill, local dentist Dr Bill Martin has agreed to start providing preventative treatments free of charge; Dr Martin will provide fluoride varnish treatments for children in Levy County who cannot find a Medicaid dentist. The University of Florida and the United Way of North Central Florida will also launch a programme to provide sealant treatments for underprivileged children.
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