John E. Gladden - President and CEO of Delta Dental of Oklahoma

Don’t Brush off Kids’ Health
POINT OF VIEW NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH
BY JOHN E. GLADDEN
Published: Feb. 11, 2009 as featured on NewsOK.com

For more than 30 years, Delta Dental has had the privilege of providing employer-based group and individual dental insurance for more than a third of Oklahomans with dental coverage. However, even the most optimistic statistics show that at least half of all Oklahomans have no dental insurance.

This means we have a two-tier system for dental care in our state. Those with insurance are more likely to seek dental treatment for preventive care and routine care than people without coverage. For the lowest on the socioeconomic ladder, this means no insurance coverage. For the lowest on the socioeconomic ladder, this means no insurance coverage and no money to access care; treatment is limited to resolving only painful issues and preventive care is nonexistent.

Unfortunately, children often come last and suffer the most.

Research shows that tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting 50 percent of first-graders in the United States. Nationally, more than one-half of children ages 6 to 8 have tooth decay, and one-third of it goes untreated. We have to do better than that.

These are key reasons why in 2009, the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Charitable Foundation is donating nearly $1.5 million in grants and outreach programs to address the dental care and dental education needs of all Oklahomans. This includes funding to more than a dozen clinics statewide that offer free or low-cost dental care to disadvantaged children and adults, as well as fun activities like the Captain Supertooth program that provides dental health education to thousands of Oklahoma’s first- and second-grade students.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This monthlong program sponsored by the American Dental Association brings together dedicated dental professionals and health care providers to promote the benefits of good oral health to children and adults, caregivers, teachers and many others.

As we focus on dental health for Oklahoma’s children this month, I challenge all of us "grown-ups” to serve as positive role models by practicing good oral health habits ourselves. This includes eating well, minimizing snacks between meals, brushing at least twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing regularly.

Most importantly, don’t let a lack of money or dental insurance be an excuse for not getting your kids to a dentist. Visit www.DeltaDentalOK.org for a statewide list of free or low-cost dental health resources, or call 405-607-4725. With proper daily care, a balanced diet and regular dental visits, all of Oklahoma’s children can have a lifetime of healthy and strong teeth. Gladden is president and CEO of Delta Dental of Oklahoma.

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