	Oral Health and Overall Health

	The need for change is great

	Advancement of Sound Public Policy

	Lost Time at School and Work

	Dental Director Policy Statement

	Fluoridation Policy Statement

	Sealants Policy Statement

The need for change is great.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranks Missouri 47th in access to oral health care. The Pew Charitable Trusts gives Missouri a “C” for children’s oral health. Only 30% of children enrolled in Medicaid in Missouri are getting dental care. Forty-four percent of skilled nursing facility residents were assessed as having untreated decay. A recent MSN Health article noted the City of St. Louis as having the worst oral health of any American city. Kansas City was ranked the 9th worst city. A recent USA Today article focused attention on the increased use of expensive Emergency Rooms to address dental pain when regular dental care is not available.