Dentistry In Appalachia

The central Appalachians have the highest incidence of tooth loss in America. One might cite the fact that many locations are remote and access to dental care is limited. Poverty is certainly a factor as is family history. To many dentistry in Appalachia is an unknown entity.

The interesting thing that some dentists believe is responsible for bad teeth, even in children is the addiction to Mountain Dew. That sounds ridiculous, but Mountain Dew is loaded with sugar and caffeine. Many parents even put it into baby bottles and sippy cups. It is like bathing the teeth constantly in acid.

Why would you give your kids soda when milk is sometimes cheaper? Dentists and doctors believe it is addictive. I can personally understand this because my own caffeine addiction involves Tab. I do not drink coffee, but I need Tab in the mornings. Of course I did not drink soda as a child. It was a rare treat, occasionally allowed by my mother.

Certainly the remote location of many homes is a factor. If you live way up in the mountains and don't have transportation, what can you do? Mobile dental practices are trying to combat this visiting schools and other locations within the community. While most children dread a visit to the dentist, these rolling clinics are often greeted with enthusiasm.

The mobile dentists teach prevention, hand out toothbrushes, and discuss nutrition in addition to treating dental problems. These dentists are shocked to learn that many children under the age of two have a mouthful of cavities. The obvious answer is to educate the parents, but illiteracy is also a problem, with parents struggling to fill out the most basic forms.

It is difficult to attract doctors and dentists to practice in remote locations, and while mobile practices help, the need is still great. This is America, not a third world country, so we need to come up with a better solution to help the dentists who have made it their mission to serve the people of Appalachia. A lot of charitable organizations have answered the call, sponsoring free clinics in churches and even Walmart parking lots.

Pepsico, the maker of Mountain Dew has pledged to help with dental education and sponsoring clinics. After Diane Sawyer's report, let's hope many more big companies step up to the plate.

 


 

Sedation Dentistry News:

 

The Tri-Valley Sedation Dentistry Office of Dr. Endre Selmeczy Announces They Now Offer CariFree Diagnostics and .
Dr. Endre Selmeczy, known for offering the latest in dental technology to his patients, uses CariFree Diagnostics and Products to assess and diagnose patients tooth decay.Livermore, CA (PRWEB) January 20, 2012 The CariFree system for CAMBRA (Caries Management by Risk Assessment) used to determine a patients risk factors and diagnosis for tooth decay is now offered by the Tri-Valley sedation ...


Dearborn Dentist Now Treats Patients Suffering From Snoring and Sleep Apnea - EIN News (press release)

Dearborn Dentist Now Treats Patients Suffering From Snoring and Sleep Apnea
EIN News (press release)
Dr. Bruce Luria, dentist in Dearborn, MI, is pleased to offer treatment for patients who snore or suffer from sleep apnea. DEARBORN, MI, January 28, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Patients suffering from sleep apnea and snoring can now seek treatment from .

and more »
..


Accused molester dentist faces perjury charges - New Jersey Herald

Accused molester dentist faces perjury charges
New Jersey Herald
According to First Assistant Prosecutor Gregory R. Mueller, Kurtz, who continues to practice dentistry from his office in Livingston, faces arraignment in Superior Court next month. "The defendant testified repeatedly at his civil trial that at no time .

..


Rock 'n' roll dentist hits the right notes - Ct Post

Rock 'n' roll dentist hits the right notes
Ct Post
Dr. Mark Schwartz, a Monroe dentist, is celebrating 20 years in business. He's also a musician in his spare time. Photo: Autumn Driscoll / Connecticut Post | Buy This Photo Dr. Mark Schwartz, a Monroe dentist, is celebrating 20 years in business.

and more »
..


State College dentist charged with insurance fraud - Centre Daily Times

State College dentist charged with insurance fraud
Centre Daily Times
By From CDT staff reports EUR” State College - Centre Daily Times A State College dentist is facing charges that he submitted more than $52000 in false insurance claims following a joint investigation involving the FBI and the state Attorney General's .

and more »
..


Akron and Uniontown Dental Care Offices Launch New Website
UNIONTOWN, OH-- - Dr. Craig C. Lanik, a dentist with offices in Akron and Uniontown, has just released a new website for the family dentistry practice, Peak Dental Arts. The new website features a library ...


 



Learn Dental Assisting - Click Here

Many, if not all of the links on this website are affiliate links which means that we will be compensated if you choose to buy at some point in the near future. Please accept our sincere thanks for your support.