Children below the poverty line are 20 times less likely to receive dental care than are more wealthy children. One hundred million Americans do not have access to fluoridated water. The nation's oral health care is the best in its history. Yet, oral diseases remain common in many underserved areas. A National Oral Health Plan should integrate oral health into other public health programs to provide a framework for coordinated efforts to eliminate oral health disparities.
Dental health is integral to overall health.
Oral and general health are inseparable. The new dentist for the 21st century looks upon the mouth as a center of vital functions. Many people build relationships with their dentist early in life, and dentists have the opportunity to encourage healthy habits in young people. Workforce issues compound access to care. The dental workforce is graying.