Building a Culture of Oral Health Care

Poor oral health afflicts many low-income and other vulnerable populations. Poor oral health can lead to unnecessary tooth decay, periodontal disease, plaque buildup, pain, and even the quiet and deadly advancement of oral cancer. It also leads to unnecessary and expensive visits to the emergency department to treat pain of tooth decay and periodontal disease but not the causal conditions. Finding ways to improve oral health in low-income communities is essential to good health and helping individuals move from poverty to middle class status. It requires a collaborative effort of a diverse array of health care workers.