Poor 'have worse dental health' Updated: 3/12/2008 4:05:26 PM Print Article Email Article           People falling into the lowest income brackets in Illinois are not receiving adequate dental health care, according to a new study. Figures from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, just 26 percent of poor or near-poor families in the state visit a dentists every year. This compares to 40 percent of middle-income households and 54 percent of families in the high-income bracket who may be more able to pay an affordable dental plan. "It's alarming to know that 40 percent of all Illinois counties do not have access to dental care," said Dr. Keith Dickey, President of Illinois State Dental Society. "We are committed to making family oral health care a priority for those who need it most." The research comes as the Bridge to Healthy Smiles coalition announced a new program to improve dental health among poorer families. A three-point plan, it aims to increase Medicaid for dental care, open ten new clinics in Illinois by 2010, and provide financial incentives to encourage dentists to practice in certain areas. "This is a serious public health issue," commented Dr. Sheila R. Brown, executive director of Lincoln Dental Society. "There is an undeniable link between general health and oral health care. It's time to stop penalizing working-poor families in urban and rural Illinois and begin offering equal access to dental care for all." © 2008 Brafton Inc. Enter your ZIP code to compare the savings and benefits offered by the discount dental plans in your area. Take the first step toward a healthier smile and start saving today! > Find my dentist > Find a ZIP code             Additional Articles Warning about smokeless tobacco and oral... Kids need a dental check-up 'every six m... Thumb-sucking 'can lead to dental proble... Dental-themed rap music aims to reach ki... Act fast to repair lost teeth, dentist s... Oral health screenings recommended for e... Problem Child? How to End Bad Behavior F... Maternal alcohol binges increase risk of... Parents advised to tackle childhood dent... New gummy bears 'prevent dental problems... Keep Kids Safe from Online Predators The Role Coffee Plays in Simplifying You... Three Strategies for Simplifying Your Li... Dental decay a problem for California's ... Child tooth decay warning Sugar substitute found to boost babies' ... Concerns raised about dental impact of f... Childhood dental care scheme produces mi... Mother's vitamin D levels affect baby's ... Tooth fairy visits could soon be a lucra...

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