The health and overall well-being of seniors can be improved with regular dental services. In many circumstances, ignoring oral care can lead to the development of oral diseases, tooth loss, infection, and if left untreated, death.
The Alliance for Aging Research hosted a Capitol Hill briefing in December of 2007 that focused on geriatric oral health care. The briefing, part of our Diseases in the Shadows series, was widely attended by Congressional staffers and other health advocates. Dr. Barbara Smith of the American Dental Association gave a presentation on the importance of geriatric oral health and why it is crucial that policymakers work to ensure that America’s seniors have access to quality dental care.
Given the scope of this problem and our involvement in raising awareness about this issue, the Alliance for Aging Research enthusiastically endorsed the “Medicare Medically Necessary Dental Care Act of 2009”. The bill, sponsored in the House of Representatives by Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), would expand coverage for medically necessary dental procedures under Medicare Part B. There is currently very limited government funding for dental procedures causing many seniors to bear the costs out of pocket. For this reason, as many as 25 million adults forego routine and necessary dental care each year. This bill would provide necessary dental services to those individuals who will benefit from them the most.
This is good news for seniors interested in visiting the dentist for their dental care. Finally, they are given the chance with affordable dental checkups and procedures and other dental services.
Improving access to dental care for seniors is a great help for them. Times are hard today and they need all the benefits they deserve as senior citizens. Dental care is one of them among others. I agree that it is good news!
This post is information for dental patient
its a informational post...
Thanks
Dental Care
I think a lot of people don't focus enough on dental care, or care of themselves in general. Improving access to the seniors is a great idea, but it should not stop at this age group. Make dental care accessible to all?
Very nice and helpful tips.
Thanks
The blog has been remarkable as, it illustrates the concept of how proper care be imparted to the seniors , and also the effects of oral diseases , if they are left untreated, then eveb death could be had.
Interesting post. Certain segments of the senior population of the United States have difficulty in gaining access to dental care.1–6 In order to design and implement programs aimed at improving access to care for these groups, it is important to understand the nature of the groups and the specific problems associated with or responsible for the impaired access. It is also important to understand the critical basic factors that must be addressed in any effort to enhance access to care if there is to be a successful outcome. This article attempts to identify those groups of elders who have difficulties accessing care and to establish a contextual framework upon which programs aimed at improving access to dental care should be developed.
- Tina