Getting Vermonters the oral health care we deserve.
http://vtoralhealth4all.org
In November 2010, the Vermont Oral Health Care for All Coalition announced that it had formed to help expand access to badly needed dental care for Vermonters across the state. Voices for Vermont’s Children and the Vermont Campaign for Health Care Security are leading the effort to build a consumer voice and raise public awareness of the need for better access to affordable oral health care
The Coalition is part of a larger movement nationwide to expand access to dental care. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation is supporting efforts in five states – Kansas, New Mexico, Ohio,Vermont and Washington – to pursue an innovative dental provider model that can expand access to dental care by adding an additional provider to the team. Community Catalyst, a national health advocacy organization, is helping to lead the effort.
The Coalition has come together in recognition that more can be done in this state to improve the overall health of Vermonters. We are dedicated to working towards a comprehensive solution that recognizes the importance of oral health to overall health.
Oral Health Care for All is a statewide coalition working to give Vermonters a voice for better access to affordable oral health care through building a statewide consumer voice, raising public awareness of the need for better access to affordable care, and exploring innovative solutions to provide greater access to all Vermonters for the dental care they need. The Coalition is comprised of over 40 organizations representing consumer groups, children’s advocates, organized labor, senior advocates, health care providers, and health clinics.
Although oral health is central to overall health, tens of thousands of Vermonters do not have access to preventive or routine dental care.
One important way to bring attention to the unmet oral health care needs of Vermonters is to hear from Vermonters themselves. If you have gone without dental care we need to hear from you!
• Have you ever delayed dental care because you couldn’t afford it?
• Have your kids ever gone without dental care and why?
• What problems have you faced to getting dental care, such as: can’t find a dentist that accepts Medicaid; have unpaid dental bills; there are no dentists close to where I live or work.
• Have you or your children ever had to go to the emergency room for oral health reasons?
• Have unpaid dental bills caused you to go into debt?
Contact Ellen with your personal story/situation at [email protected] or (802) 498-8039.
