Advocate Community Assessment Access to Health Services
Access to Health Services
Dental health is very important in that failure to maintain proper oral hygiene can lead to serious health complications. According to the American Dental Association, poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth loss, infection, damage to bone or nerve, and trouble eating and/or smiling. Infection from an abscessed tooth can also spread throughout the body and potentially lead to death. In spite of the importance of dental health, services meant to provide this care to everyone, including the underprivileged, are often underfunded. Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) are examples of this. Adult dental coverage is often not provided through public health programs. Even when adults do have access to dental care, they often face issues such as lack of transportation or having to miss work. Many Americans also lack the understanding of the importance of preventive measures, such as brushing, flossing, and eating a healthy diet.
