Simpson, Colleagues Introduce Kids Dental Care Bill

Press Release

Simpson, Colleagues Introduce Kids Dental Care Bill

In a news conference Congressman Mike Simpson joined colleague Albert R. Wynn (MD) today, to announce the introduction of the Essential Oral Health Care Act of 2007. This Act will improve the delivery of dental services in state Medicaid and SCHIP programs, provide grants for Community Dental Health Coordinator training as well as for volunteer missions of mercy dental projects, and provide a tax credit for donated dental services.

"Tooth decay is a preventable, infectious disease," said Simpson. "If untreated, it can impede a child's ability to eat, speak, learn, and in extreme cases, it can lead to death. As is the case in most diseases, early detection is vital; this legislation will help get treatment to kids who need it most."

Minority, low-income, and geographically isolated children suffer disproportionately from dental cavities. In fact, 80 percent of all tooth decay is found in 25 percent of children- children who are overrepresented in the lower socioeconomic strata. The recent tragic death of Deamonte Driver, a twelve year-old boy from Maryland who died from a brain infection resulting from an abscessed tooth, demonstrates the need to address access to care issues for our most vulnerable citizens.

The impact of poor oral health can, as this tragic case shows, go far beyond the mouth. It is well- documented that poor oral health can lead to oral infections that can affect systemic health. Oral bacteria have been associated with bacterial pneumonia in bed or chair-bound patients, increased risk of heart attack and may also be passed from mother to child resulting in a higher prevalence of cavities in young children.

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