Include Dental in Health Care Reform Discussions

By Janis Oshensky, Vice President, Dental Relations and Public Policy, Delta Dental Plans Association

 

     We applauded when President Obama and Congress extended and expanded the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for 11 million children through September 2013.  CHIP provides health insurance and a guaranteed dental benefit to uninsured, low-income children.

     The passage of this legislation recognized the vital role dental benefits play in maintaining and improving oral health and overall health.  Yet, today, more than 130 million Americans still lack dental coverage. As Congress considers various health care reform proposals in the coming weeks and months, we at Delta Dental strongly believe that dental coverage should be included.

     The correlation between oral health and good overall health is the fundamental message of the Surgeon General’s Report Oral Health in America (2000). Also, a recent survey found that a majority of consumers (68 percent) recognize the connection between oral health and overall health status.1 More details about this survey and other key information can be found at www.AdvanceOralHealth.com.

 

The following oral and overall health statistics echo that connection:

• More than 90 percent of all systemic diseases, including diabetes, leukemia, cancer, heart disease and kidney disease have oral characteristics that can be detected earlier during an oral exam.2 
• More than 75 percent of oral cancers can be identified in a comprehensive oral exam.3  When detected early, oral cancer has an 80 to 90 percent cure rate, compared with only 50 percent if found later.4
• Individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, and periodontal disease can contribute to the development and progression of the disease.5
• Increasing scientific evidence suggests a correlation between dental disease and chronic health conditions such as coronary heart disease.6
• Pain and suffering due to untreated oral health conditions can lead to problems in eating, speaking and learning. 

     Yet today, despite this evidence of the oral and overall health connection, more than 130 million Americans are without dental coverage. This is especially troubling as research shows individuals without dental coverage are half as likely to visit a dentist at least once annually compared to those with coverage. Those without dental benefits risk having minor oral health and overall health conditions go undetected until they become much more serious – and costly.

     Further, a recent study found that one in nine consumers – those without dental benefits or dental care – is considered at risk.1 In all, more than six million people required but deferred care in the prior year.

      Also startling are the detrimental effects of poor oral health on productivity in school and at work. Statistics show that students across the country miss 51 million school hours each year because of dental-related illnesses.  Among adults, more than 164 million work hours are lost each year because of dental problems.

      It is because of the totality of this compelling evidence -- and the critical link between oral health and overall health -- that Delta Dental believes health care reform should include dental coverage. 

      As America’s largest, most experienced dental benefits carrier, Delta Dental looks forward to participating in that health care debate. 

      For more information on Delta Dental and the importance of including dental in the health care reform discussion, visit AdvanceOralHealth.com.

 

 

1 The Long Group Consumer Survey, April 2008

2 Academy of General Dentistry’s Know Your Teeth, October 2008

3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Fact Sheet: Preventing Dental Cavities, 2002

4 Oral Cancer Foundation: oralcancerfoundation.org, January 21, 2004

5 Journal of Periodontology, March 2007 

6 American Academy of Periodontology, 2006