"Dr. Larry Hill, executive director of CincySmiles dental clinic program, said 'it’s hard to understand how dental care has been overlooked by state legislation, federal measures and insurance companies alike, when the small area of the mouth makes so much of a difference in overall health.'”
It is not hard to understand. America is too busy trying on fascism to care about "the little people."
There's rarely talk about 'poverty traps' in news articles, and it's even rarer to find a specific example of what it looks like in practice with illustrating statistics. Glad you provided an example of one with dental care.
But I'm wondering, how does pushing for a change work in practice? Do you call the governor's office? Go to city council? I feel a little like a fish out of water here, feeling it's worthwhile but unsure what to do.
Hi David! Thanks for your note and reading. I think pushing for change here means a few things. 1) Talk to people about dental care - share what you know about the issue and how it impacts so many other issues. 2) Talk to your dentist or someone you know in the space about this and see what they would suggest. 3) Write groups such as American Dental Association asking them to incorporate some actionable items for dentists and their patients. 4) Write your city councilperson or a city councilperson in an area impacted greatly by a shortage of dentists.
I think a lot of this just begins with conversations as don't happen or rarely do, especially around these poverty traps you speak of. Hope this provides some direction!
Ah man, reading this is giving me a feeling of apprehension and excitement at the same time. Thinking about it, a lot of this is within reach! I'm a police cadet in the local area, so I know about a ton of events where I may be able to meet people, both community members and leaders. I also have shaken hands with the mayor and know members of the youth commission. It's not a lot, but I definitely have a place I can start!
But then on reflection I feel a bit weird about just emailing the mayor. I don't actually know anyone in need of dental care, or what those in need in the community really want. National statistics don't mean a lot in a local context. I feel like a dimwit lawyer in court, pleading a case for someone who isn't there. I'm thinking maybe I ought to try and meet a few people first, maybe by volunteering?
I think writing groups like the Dental Association definitely makes sense though. But I'm unsure where to start, haha. Would you mind helping me with it? Maybe by doing a joint submission? I'm thinking it'd be a learning experience.
Thanks for this post on an important factor leading to inequality. It gave me some ideas of how to help a local impoverished community.
Very glad to hear it David. Anything specific in mind you’re thinking of?
Wondering if local dentists would be willing to offer services at a discount and set up a fund within an organization to pay those discounted fees.
"Dr. Larry Hill, executive director of CincySmiles dental clinic program, said 'it’s hard to understand how dental care has been overlooked by state legislation, federal measures and insurance companies alike, when the small area of the mouth makes so much of a difference in overall health.'”
It is not hard to understand. America is too busy trying on fascism to care about "the little people."
Very nice post!
There's rarely talk about 'poverty traps' in news articles, and it's even rarer to find a specific example of what it looks like in practice with illustrating statistics. Glad you provided an example of one with dental care.
But I'm wondering, how does pushing for a change work in practice? Do you call the governor's office? Go to city council? I feel a little like a fish out of water here, feeling it's worthwhile but unsure what to do.
Hi David! Thanks for your note and reading. I think pushing for change here means a few things. 1) Talk to people about dental care - share what you know about the issue and how it impacts so many other issues. 2) Talk to your dentist or someone you know in the space about this and see what they would suggest. 3) Write groups such as American Dental Association asking them to incorporate some actionable items for dentists and their patients. 4) Write your city councilperson or a city councilperson in an area impacted greatly by a shortage of dentists.
I think a lot of this just begins with conversations as don't happen or rarely do, especially around these poverty traps you speak of. Hope this provides some direction!
Thanks so much for the response!
Ah man, reading this is giving me a feeling of apprehension and excitement at the same time. Thinking about it, a lot of this is within reach! I'm a police cadet in the local area, so I know about a ton of events where I may be able to meet people, both community members and leaders. I also have shaken hands with the mayor and know members of the youth commission. It's not a lot, but I definitely have a place I can start!
But then on reflection I feel a bit weird about just emailing the mayor. I don't actually know anyone in need of dental care, or what those in need in the community really want. National statistics don't mean a lot in a local context. I feel like a dimwit lawyer in court, pleading a case for someone who isn't there. I'm thinking maybe I ought to try and meet a few people first, maybe by volunteering?
I think writing groups like the Dental Association definitely makes sense though. But I'm unsure where to start, haha. Would you mind helping me with it? Maybe by doing a joint submission? I'm thinking it'd be a learning experience.