When it comes to meeting dental health standards, Massachusetts has a C average, according to The Pew Center on the States’ survey, a government organization which strives to improve public policy and inform the public of state issues. Meeting 4 out of 8 of the PEW national dental policy approaches puts Massachusetts in the precarious position of nearly failing to meet these standards. So, what can Massachusetts learn from their score and how can it be improved?
1. Mass needs to seal the deal!
2 of the 4 policy approaches where Massachusetts fall short concern sealant programs. Dental hygienists are prohibited from placing sealants in a child’s mouth without a prior exam from a dentist. However, the national policy approach entrusts the hygienist with that decision.
Massachusetts dentists could possibly begin training hygienists to make their own judgment call for sealant placement for efficiency and in order to ensure that children are getting sealants when they truly need them. Other good news, for 2010 dental health care, there is a primary focus on implementing sealant programs in schools!
2. Falling short on fluoride.
Only 59% of Massachusetts residents receive water supply containing fluoride, while the national average is much higher at 75%. Fluoride in water supply is important because it reduces tooth decay and protects against enamel demineralization.
The health board of Massachusetts is in charge of any changes to this policy approach, but could make a beneficial and cost-effective difference by encouraging a mandatory water fluoridation policy. More motivation? Experts determined a savings of $24 per child in Medicaid expenditures because of averted cavities from drinking fluoridated water.
3. Providing providers.
The state of Massachusetts did not authorize new primary dental care providers in 2009, while the national policy approach allowed new providers.
Providing new dental professionals is vital to rural and low-income communities where there is less access to and a high demand for dental care. Massachusetts could strive towards hiring dental providers who are merely there for basic care, and could refer more complex cases to more qualified professionals. The state of North Carolina utilized this approach for toddler care which resulted in a 40% cavity reduction in children.
4. Following their own example.
The state is above the national average of children who are enrolled in dental care programs who receive Medicaid by about 7% which is commendable because it shows how dental care through Medicaid is accessible. Additionally, dental fees reimbursed by Medicaid are approximately 11% higher than the national average!
So, moving towards the future, it’s important to focus on the positives as a way to improve the shortcomings of Massachusetts dental standards. The standards may reflect state policy, but changes can begin from the people of Mass themselves to take it from a C to A standard.
Below is the full Massachusetts report:
Posted by universaldentalplan 
