DentalPlans.com >
Dental Health Articles >
Family Health
>
Poor 'have worse dental health'
Poor 'have worse dental health'
|
 |
| |
|
|
Updated: 3/12/2008 4:05:26 PM |
|
|
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!
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
The DENTALPLANS.COM website is administered by
DENTALPLANS.COM, INC., a licensed Florida Discount Medical Plan Organization,
8100 S.W. 10th Street Suite #2000, Plantation, FL 33324. Plans and Programs offered by
DentalPlans.com are not health insurance policies. Plans and Programs offered
by DentalPlans.com provide discounts at certain health care providers for
medical services. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com do not make
payments directly to the providers of medical services. The Plan or Program
member is obligated to pay for all health care services but will receive a
discount from those health care providers who have contracted with the Plan,
Program or discount plan organization.
© 1999-2008 DentalPlans.com, Inc. All Rights
Reserved. Patents Pending.
|
|
|