Congress urged to raise oral health research funding Updated: 3/17/2008 2:05:35 PM Print Article Email Article           The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) and the American Dental Association (ADA) have called upon Congress to put more funding into the oral health research budget. Speaking to a House appropriations panel on behalf of the AADR, Dr. Marc Heft explained that research is advancing quickly and that research monies were needed in the areas of saliva-based diagnostic tests for oral and other cancers, cardiovascular diseases and systemic conditions to be researched by scientists at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Dental scientists have said that money needs to be set aside - one million dollars each year - to tackling the problem of early childhood dental problems in disadvantaged areas such as in Native American communities in a program set up by the ADA. The three-year grant would research and conduct clinical studies on early childhood caries along with the Indian Health Service. He explained that the AADR's proposed diagnostic tests could not only improve the dental health of Americans but prevent and detect early symptoms of serious conditions with a simple trip to the dentist. "Imagine getting results from a test for oral cancer or systemic diseases without a two- or three-day wait, or going to the dentist for a mineral-restoring rinse instead of getting a filling. We would not only improve Americans' quality of life but save lives and better utilize the valuable resources currently burdening our health care system," he said. © 2008 Brafton Inc. Enter your ZIP code to compare the savings 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 Best man teeth? Try Madison, Wisconsin f... California proposes massive cuts in dent... Poor economy increasing dental emergenci... Dentists donate 2 days of dental care fo... Dental care for woman who superglued her... Dental care for woman superglued her tee... Dentist: Yearly visit minimum for dental... Dentist: Teeth fall out with lack of den... Sugarless gum can help with dental healt... Straightened teeth can enhance dental he... Nonprofit offers free dental care to at-... Director: Fluoride could improve dental ... Tongue piercing may negatively impact de... Director: North Carolina has dental care... AGD: Tap water better for dental health Dentist clears up dental care myths on m... Study: Dental health important for HIV i... New surgical laser provides hi-tech dent... BBC: Number of children needing dental c... Completeness, not order, counts in prope...

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