Each of Us Can Play a Role Kenton Johnson, DDS, MS


The unmet need for dental care is all around us, from urban to suburban areas, as well as in rural areas. This is true even in many communities that are growing and prosperous.

Where I live in the Twin Cities we like to boast about our quality of life and rankings in those "best places to live" reports. But there are many residents of our metropolitan area who do not have insurance or the financial means to access dental care.

One reason is that most dentists nationwide don't accept Medicaid patients, and even those who do might cap the number of Medicaid enrollees that they will see. A report last year by the Government Accountability Office revealed that there were 25 states in which fewer than half of all dentists treated a single Medicaid patient (http://www.gao.gov/htext/d1196.html).

That's why it is so critical for organized dentistry to expand its volunteer efforts to provide care to low-income, underserved populations. In my home state, I am proud to say that the Minnesota Dental Association is committed to this objective.

During the first weekend of February, more than 3,000 dental professionals and interpreters in Minnesota volunteered at hundreds of locations around the state to offer dental care. This was accomplished through the "Give Kids a Smile" program, which is sponsored by the Minnesota Dental Association. These dentists were able to treat thousands of kids, many of whom haven't seen a dentist in years.

Since 2003, San Joaquin County in California has operated one of the most impressive volunteer dental programs. First and foremost, it is a year-round program. One of the clinics provides free dental care to low-income kids three days a week. That's 150 days of free dentistry at one location; what a wonderful opportunity for the children and volunteers alike!



Making that kind of impact is possible because the program is drawing on the voluntarism of more than 30 dentists. In other words, the actual reach of these volunteer programs depends on the number of dentists who lend their services. We are the only people who can fill the blanks on the schedule. Dentists all have an excuse not to volunteer, but once they participate they are overwhelmed by the experience. They can't wait until the next opportunity.

Unlike the California program, many of the free dental programs across the country operate only for a few days or for one month – often, they occur in February for Dental Health Month. It would be ideal to see this change – for more states and communities to offer care for longer periods of the year.

Dentists who are not yet involved in volunteer care efforts should consider contacting their state dental associations. Generally, these associations have existing programs through which they seek to connect dentists with communities in need. [Editor's note: Check out our extensive list of resources here.]

If you are a dentist who already participates in these volunteer projects, consider talking to other dentists about these activities and encourage them to join you in getting involved. It could make a difference in attracting more of your peers to join these activities. The research appears to show the importance of dentist-to-dentist dialogue. In fact, a 2008 study of a volunteer dental program in Israel found that 68 percent of participating dentists had heard about the program from another dentist.

I had an opportunity to introduce three dentists and their staff to "Give Kids a Smile" in February. They felt that helping the underserved not only made them appreciate their work, it helped the teams work better together. There is a nationwide mobile dentistry program I have worked with called Christina's Smile. If a PGA tournament comes through your city, chances are the semi-truck with a tooth and golf club come too. The program focuses on the needs of the underserved and parks in front an elementary school in St. Paul. The kids can walk to the facility during the three-day stay!

There are many unique programs that communities have designed to fit their needs. These programs can only thrive if volunteers commit to a shift or two a year. Together we can make a difference in the lives of people who cannot seek regular dental care – it is up to each of us.

Author’s Bio
Kenton M. Johnson, DDS, MS, has been a general dentist in Roseville, Minnesota, with Metro Dentalcare since 1994. Dr. Johnson is currently active with the MDA's Elderly and Special Needs Adults Committee. He can be contacted at: kenjohnson@metro-dentalcare.com
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