The Cost of Delay: State Dental Policies Fail One in Five Children, as reported by the Pew Children’s Dental Campaign.

An estimated one in five low-income children in America goes without dental care each year, often due to lack of access.  Many children suffer from more serious health risks and chronic school absence as a result of untreated dental health problems that could have been prevented with the proper care. 

In our report, we assessed and graded all 50 states and the District of Columbia, using an A-F scale, on whether and how well they are employing eight proven and promising policy approaches at their disposal to ensure dental health and access to care for children.  These policies include preventative measures (such as sealants and fluoridation), expanded access to Medicaid, and innovative workforce models.

Only six states merited “A” grades: Connecticut, Iowa, Maryland, New Mexico, Rhode Island and South Carolina We awarded 33 states and the District of Columbia a grade of “C” or below. Nine of those states earned an “F,” meeting only one or two policy benchmarks: Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, New Jersey, Hawaii, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Wyoming. 

This report serves as a warning sign — and a wake-up call — for policy-makers to take action.  If you have any questions about the report, please contact Andy Snyder, Senior Associate, Pew Children’s Dental Campaign, at (202) 552-2155.  The report can be found at: www.pewcenteronthestates.org/costofdelay

Shelly Gehshen

Director, Pew Children’s Dental Campaign

[posted on dental-public-health@list.pitt.edu, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010]