KAY LAZAR'S story ("Dental benefits widen, waiting lines grow," Page A1, Aug. 7) shines an important spotlight on a situation that has long needed attention. Thousands of Massachusetts residents do not have access to the oral healthcare they need to remain healthy, productive members of our society. To solve this problem, we must take a prevention-oriented approach to changing the systems we currently have in place. Expanded dentist participation in MassHealth must be coupled with increased access to oral health education and care.
The widespread nature of dental disease in children and adults is a solvable public health concern. Dental decay is an infection that can inhibit learning, speech and eating and, left untreated, can lead to pain and serious health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. Fortunately, when communities have access to the oral healthcare they need, we can almost entirely prevent this disease. The key to this effort is to start early.
No one group can accomplish this alone. We must act together and ensure that all residents have access to the preventive services and treatment so vital to overall health.
FRANK ROBINSON
Springfield
The writer is chairman of the Oral Health Advocacy Taskforce.
