- October is National Dental Hygiene Month
- Local health care providers have a few options for those who can't afford dental work
- There also are mobile dental vans to go to people who may not otherwise have a ride to the dentist
BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Nearly 15% of children in the United States go without dental care, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That number climbs to around 25% for adults.
That’s why the U.S. Department of Human Services recognizes October as National Dental Hygiene Month.
The DHS website says good dental hygiene is essential to a person’s overall health and wellness.
During October, insurance company Capital Blue Cross is spreading information about the oral health programs they fund and support.
“Barriers to care, such as lack of insurance and transportation, prevent many from receiving preventive dental care, which can lead to more serious health issues."Susan Hubley, Capital Blue Cross vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility.
“Capital Blue Cross understands that many individuals are unable to access dental services,” said Susan Hubley, Capital Blue Cross vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility.
“Barriers to care, such as lack of insurance and transportation, prevent many from receiving preventive dental care, which can lead to more serious health issues.
"That’s why Capital has made it a priority to support programs that help make it easier for lower-income, harder-to-reach populations to get the care they need,” Hubley said.
'Access to quality dental care'
One of the programs backed by Capital Blue Cross is St. Luke’s University Health Network's Star Community Health.
It has dental offices in Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton and are currently in the Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Lehighton, Bangor and Quakertown School Districts with their mobile dental van.
The mobile efforts will serve 31 schools during the 2023-24 academic year.
“We are committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or income, has access to quality dental care."Mark Roberts, executive director, Star Community Health
“We are committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or income, has access to quality dental care," said Mark Roberts, executive director of Star Community Health.
"Providing mobile and facility-based dental services to the underserved community is not just a mission; it’s a moral obligation we proudly embrace,” he said.
The Star Community Health dental van will appear next at the Veg Stock Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Llantrisant Retreat and Wellness Center at 336 Bushkill St., Tatamy.
'They are perfect examples'
Additionally, Lehigh Valley Health Network’s dental clinic at 17th and Chew streets, is a place where LVHN helps to staff the Miles of Smiles mobile dental program, which serves the Allentown, Bethlehem, and Lehighton areas.
Each year in Allentown, the program treats about 11,000 children who need dental care, but may be uninsured or underinsured and can't pay out of pocket.
“These mobile-outreach initiatives provide critical dental care to people in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley who otherwise might not have received it. They are perfect examples of how Capital goes the extra mile every day to make health care more equitable, accessible and affordable in the communities we serve.”Capital Blue Cross President Todd Shamash
“These mobile-outreach initiatives provide critical dental care to people in Central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley who otherwise might not have received it,” Capital Blue Cross President Todd Shamash said.
“They are perfect examples of how Capital goes the extra mile every day to make health care more equitable, accessible and affordable in the communities we serve.”
The American Dental Association recommends children and adults brush their teeth for two minutes twice daily with a toothbrush that has soft bristles.
They say to replace toothbrushes every three to four months or more often if the bristles are visibly matted or frayed. According to the ADA, both manual and powered toothbrushes are effective in cleaning teeth.
