At the State House Monday, the Better Oral Health for Massachusetts Coalition launched a 5 year plan to improve oral health for all residents of Massachusetts. The speakers included Representative John Scibak, Dr. Lauren Smith, the Medical Director of Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Dr. Lynda Young, Vice-President of the Massachusetts Medical Society.
Representative Scibak, House Chair for the Oral Health Legislative Caucus, spoke to the underlying issues that limit access to oral health prevention and treatment in Massachusetts, such as race, income and geography. However, he also emphasized the good news- oral disease is almost 100% preventable with adequate access to care. Investing in “oral health is a really great bet,” he concluded.
A common theme at the event was the importance of oral health in overall health and that the key to success lies in prevention. “Prevention works,” explained Ralph Fuccillo, President of the DentaQuest Foundation, “we just need the right policies in place.” Effective policies would increase access to dental care as well as promote prevention efforts for all residents of Massachusetts.
Dr. John Fisher, President-Elect of the Massachusetts Dental Society, acknowledged the recent accomplishments of Health Care For in improving oral health care, mentioning the passage of Chapter 530 of the Acts of 2008. Dr. Fisher went on to describe how preventive services are “the real foundation of good oral health” and have long-term cost saving benefits for the Commonwealth. James Hunt, President and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers echoed Dr. Fisher, stating that prevention saves the state money from unnecessary emergency room visits and unnecessary extractions.
Each speaker spoke of oral health as a community wide issue and urged those present to take action and support policies that include everyone. “The next phase of our work begins today. You need to join us,” implored Mary Ellen Yankosky, Co-chair of the Better Oral Health for Massachusetts Coalition.
Tiana Wilkinson
Oral Health Intern
I appreciate their efforts