NEW REPORT ON
DENTAL ACCESS AND WORKFORCE RELEASED |
The NH Center for Public Policy Studies has just released a paper, sponsored by the Endowment for Health, "Dental Services and Workforce in New Hampshire." This report provides an important, up-to-date review of available data on access to dental services and the availability of dental providers in New Hampshire. The implications of workforce on those with Medicaid coverage and the uninsured is also discussed.
NHDHA wishes to point out this finding from the report's Executive Summary:
New Hampshire-specific data suggest that access problems may be even more problematic in New Hampshire than in the rest of the country. According to data from the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS), an estimated 11% of the population was without medical insurance. That same survey found that 39% of the population lacked dental coverage - three times the rate of those without medical insurance - suggesting that dental coverage rates are worse in New Hampshire than in the nation generally.
NHDHA is supporting these two pieces of legislation in the 2010 session, both of which we believe will help to improve access to oral healthcare: HB 1537, allowing primary care providers to provide preventive oral health services to children under the state Medicaid program; and HB 1593, establishing a board of dental hygienists.
HB 1537 was heard by the House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee earlier this week and received strong support from many members of the healthcare community. HB 1593 has been referred to the House Executive Departments and Administration Committee but has not yet been scheduled for a hearing. Stay tuned for updates on both of these proposals.
We hope that policymakers and healthcare advocates will read and consider the findings of the Center for Public Policy report, which can be found at:
http://www.nhpolicy.org/reports/nh_dental_workforce_jan_2010.pdf
Susanne Kuehl, President
New Hampshire Dental Hygienists' Association |
