Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Action for access

In reference to my post below, there are statements, and then there are Statements. The National Dental Association, an organization uniquely dedicated to access issues, last month released a Statement of grace and fire regarding the recent deaths related to dental issues of not one, but now two children.

"Many dental organizations and media sources weighed in on the events, citing 'a step backward for the nation’s health'," says NDA Executive Director Robert S. Johns. "It is the position of the National Dental Association that there may never have been a step forward, only that the information age has publicized this issue to a greater audience, and the public is now as energized as it is informed."

To paraphrase the rest of his letter is to do it a grave injustice. I urge everyone to read it in its entirety here.

Then, contact the NDA to find out how you can support the 8th Annual NDA on Capitol Hill Day, May 10 in the Rayburn House Office Building, Room B339 – B340. The NDA is extending an invitation to NDA leaders and members, healthcare professionals, Deans and alumni from Howard University’s College of Dentistry and the University of Maryland Dental School, dental students and VIPs.

To take the fight for sensible access to care directly to your Senator or Congressional Representative: House of Representatives www.house.gov; and Senate, www.senate.gov.

For more information, contact kgaines@ndaonline.org or call 202.588.1697, extension 16.

I also have it on strong authority that at least one dental company is doing exactly what I recommended below: Working to establish a direct line specifically to connect underserved patients with dentists who will treat them.

More as I learn it.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I've been curious as to how dental companies would react to the issue of access to care. Glad to hear that outreach programs are upcoming. Keep us updated!