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In
2003, The National Maternal & Child Oral Health Center
reported an estimated 51 million school hours per year lost
because of related dental disease. The report goes on to say
that dental decay is the most common chronic childhood disease.
Fortunately, this is almost entirely preventable. It is a
known fact that childhood dental decay can hinder a child's
ability to learn and advance in school. Children experiencing
dental pain are easily distracted and unable to concentrate
on their schoolwork. The result is a decrease in school performance,
poor social relationships, and less success later in life.
Dental decay also affects some of the most basic activities
in life such as eating and speaking. The report continues
saying that dental disease has also been linked to cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, and premature births.
 A
recent survey conducted in Maine found that nearly half of
all third graders in the state had a history of dental decay.
The Maine survey goes on to report that children from low
income families had nearly 12 times as many days of missed
school because of dental problems as did children from families
with higher incomes.
In
2006, approximately 120,000 individuals qualified for MaineCare
(formally Medicaid) and only 30% received any care.
To
maintain good oral health, children need access to preventive
measures such as cleanings, sealants, fluoride, and regular
visits to a dental professional. In 2000, there were 47.6
dentists per 100,000 people in Maine, well below the national
average 63.6 dentist per 100,000 people.
The
survey found all of Maine's 16 counties included groups of
communities that have been designated as dental health professional
shortage areas. This means thousands of Maine children can't
get the basic health services needed to prevent dental decay
because there isn't an oral health professional to provide
those services or they are a low income MaineCare family and
have no access to a dentist.
Recognizing
the need for access, Maine passed the Public Health Supervision
Status Law allowing dental hygienists to go out into the community
to provide access to individuals who otherwise would not receive
dental care.
It
is the goal of Maine Dental Health Out-Reach, Inc., working
cooperatively with nurses in local schools, to reach that
portion of the population deserving of dental hygiene care.
US
Department of Health& Human Services
State of Maine 1999 Smile Survey
Maine DHHS CDC Oral Health Program
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