DHSS Press Release |
Date: December 3, 2004 DHSS-141-2004 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Allison Taylor Levine, Communication Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 |
Contact: Donna Sharp Phone: (302) 744-4886 Pager: (302) 247-0840 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PARTICIPANTS WELCOME AT DEC. 8 ORAL HEALTH SUMMIT
An Oral Health Summit sponsored by Delaware's Division of Health (DPH) will involve attendees in addressing how to remove barriers to accessing dental care, improve financing and insurance, and promote the prevention of tooth decay. Members of the public are invited to register for the free summit, which will be held Dec. 8 at the Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center in Dover.
DPH's Oral Health Summit will set the stage for developing an oral health plan for Delaware. Dental and medical professionals, educators, community organizations and the general public are expected to attend. The summit, which runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., will encourage audience participation in developing strategies to improve the oral health status of all Delawareans.
"Delaware has made significant strides to improve the oral health of all Delawareans during the last several years," said State Dental Director Gregory B. McClure, DMD. "We increased the number of dentists and community dental clinics, instituted a school dental sealant program, and developed one of the best dental Medicaid programs for children in the country. However, there is more to do, so we need to engage community partners in promoting the importance of oral health and developing strategies to prevent and treat dental disease."
Pediatric dentist Burton L. Edelstein, DDS, will present the keynote address, "Action to Improve Oral Health: A National Perspective." Dr. Edelstein is Professor of Dentistry and Public Health at Columbia University and founding director of the Children's Dental Health Project, a non-profit research organization working to improve children's oral health and their access to dental care.
Half of Delaware's third graders have a history of cavities and some 30 percent of these children have untreated tooth decay, according to a DPH assessment. DPH will present its findings at the summit. Other topics to be discussed include removing barriers to accessing dental care, improving financing and insurance, promoting prevention of tooth decay, identifying opportunities for oral health awareness and communication, developing strategies for workforce development, and building an effective oral health coalition.
"The Delaware State Dental Society and its members are committed to finding solutions to improve the oral health of all Delawareans," said Dental Society President Brian McAllister, DDS. "By engaging with different groups, we can continue our tradition of supporting innovative solutions to children's oral heath care."
To register for the Oral Health Summit, contact DPH at (302) 741-2960 by Dec. 6. The event is free. Space is limited.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
