The Hard Facts of Dentistry

The American Dental Association recommends that dental visits begin no later than a child’s first birthday to establish a “dental home.”

Despite everything we know about importance of oral health to overall health, people’s self-esteem and to their employability, state and federal policies continually sell dental care short.

•  Most states spend two percent or less of their Medicaid budgets on dental services.
•  Only 16 states offered substantive coverage for adult Medicaid enrollees in 2007.
•  An estimated 164 million work hours are lost each year due to oral disease.

The American Dental Association is committed to improving the nation’s oral health through public education and through legislative advocacy to strengthen funding for dental services provided through public health programs.
Together, we can work to improve America’s oral health and give all of us something to smile about.