Question: Is there dental care for the uninsured?
From: Joy W. of Pinnacle, NC

Answer: According to www.yourdentistryguide.com, there are more than 108 million children and adults without dental insurance. Tooth decay is the most chronic childhood disease and more than 75% of Americans have some form of periodontal disease. Medicare does not cover routine dental care and 20% of Americans 75 years old and older do not have dental insurance. Medicaid provides preventive and acute dental care for children but not all dentists participate with Medicaid. Oral disease is linked to ear and sinus infections, weakened immune systems, diabetes and heart and lung disease. Lack of dental treatment can affect speech, nutrition, social development, quality of life, and even death.

The first thing to do is to contact your state dental society to check for dental assistance programs in your area. Look for neighborhood clinics, dental school clinics (cost usually reduced), or dentists who offer discounts or payment programs. Remote Area Medical (RAM) is a group of volunteers that provide free medical and dental care to needy around the world and in the U.S. The National Children’s Oral Health Foundation plans to build 500 centers, treat 5 million children, and educate 20 million people over the next few years. The Smiles Across America Program is an oral program linked to schools. The Ronald McDonald House Charities helps locate treatment for specialty cases, connecting patients with dentists and oral surgeons.