|
Free dental care available for Bath
HOT SPRINGS - On Oct. 19, 20 and 21, the Bath County Rural Health Outreach Consortium will offer free dental screenings to Bath County residents who are income or Medicaid eligible, and have no dental insurance. The screenings will be held in a mobile dental unit at the Bath County Recreation Department next to Valley Elementary School by appointment only.
Those interested in free dental care for themselves and their families should call the Bath County Health Department at (540) 839- 7246 to discuss eligibility and to make an appointment. No narcotics will be prescribed at the screenings.
"We are pleased to provide this public service to the community," says Jackie Baughan, public health nurse with the Bath County Health Department. "Gum disease and tooth decay is just as serious as other diseases, and it can be avoided, but many residents in our community can't afford it. We are presenting the clinic as a test to find out how many residents will need dental care and what we need to do in the future to continue this program."
Gum disease and tooth decay are major health problems in rural communities where there is limited access to affordable dental care and limited access to fluoride, unlike suburban and urban communities where fluoride is part of the water system. Tooth decay continues to be the single most common chronic disease among U.S. children, despite the fact that it is highly preventable through good oral hygiene and regular dental check ups. And an ongoing study with the Centers for Disease Control shows that untreated gum disease in adults can lead to other problems such as heart disease.
Baughan says that like all preventive health care, good dental care includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle, in additional to twice daily brushings, flossing, and regular check ups. "Everyone needs regular checkups from their first birthday on. Baby teeth need as much care as adult teeth, and treating seniors is especially important to avoid tooth loss, which can lead to poor nutrition and other healthrelated issues. When our residents don't see dental professionals, they miss the opportunity to catch problems early before they escalate and become more difficult and painful to treat."
Baughan encourages anyone to call to discuss whether they or members of their family are eligible for the screening. "We want to make sure everyone has access to dental care."
The Bath County Rural Health Outreach Consortium was formed to improve the health of county residents through the HealthConnection program. The consortium is a partnership of agencies to include Bath County Administration, the Bath County Health Department, the Bath County Department of Social Services, members of the Bath County Fire and Rescue Squads, Bath County Health Care Providers, the Allegheny Highlands Free Clinic, and the Valley Program for Aging.
| 
