Whether they have insurance or not, many Americans have trouble affording dental care. This leaves many adults -and children- forgoing needed dental care that leads to bigger health problems down the road. But medical research and many doctors are promoting the idea that insurance for oral health should not be separated from general health insurance, setting the stage for potential reforms to the way we treat the health of our teeth.
This program was originally broadcast on July 29, 2015.
GUESTS:
- Eleanor Jaffee - evaluation research associate at the Carsey School of Public Policy. She wrote the recent Carsey report on oral health care access in N.H.
- Dr. Lisa Simon – instructor in Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s department of Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology. Dr. Simon’s work focuses on improving access to care for vulnerable populations and integration of oral health into primary care. Her research addresses barriers to oral health faced by low-income individuals.
- Dr. Peter Welnak – family dentist in Keene, and current president of the NH Dental Society
CALLOUT:
- Tom Raffio – president and CEO of Northeast Delta Dental
Read more:
- The Carsey School of Public Policy report, Barriers to Oral Health Care Remain Challenging for NH’s Low-income Families
- NHPR report on a program helping bring dental care to New Hampshire kids
- Article about poor dental care access in rural New Hampshire
- Article about the separation of oral care from overall health care, and the consequences for dental care
- NHBR op-ed by four N.H. dentists touting progress in dental care in the state
- Interview with Dr. Frank Catalanotto, who criticizes the dental care system in the U.S.
- New Hampshire Dental Society's website about fluoride
