Monongalia County Health Department to Host “healthy Smiles Day” for affordable Dental Care
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The Monongalia County Health Department (MCHD) Dentistry will host its annual “Healthy Smiles Day” on November 22, 2024, offering low-cost dental services to residents. This event aims to address the meaningful need for dental care in the community, even with expanded Medicaid benefits. MCHD Dentistry is unique as the only full-service dental practice within a West Virginia health department, providing a wide range of treatments and striving to reduce barriers to oral health.
Addressing a Continuing Need for Dental Access
While Medicaid in West Virginia has increased dental benefits for adult patients – now covering up to $2,000 in dental expenses over a two-year period [https://dhhr.wv.gov/resources/medicaid/Pages/Dental-Benefits.aspx], demand for affordable care remains high.Dr. youseph Kassar,MCHD Dentistry’s program manager,noted that the event continues to be well-attended despite the expanded Medicaid coverage,indicating that manny individuals still face challenges accessing necessary dental care. “I guess it shows there’s still a need for patients who are being left behind,” he stated.
Comprehensive Dental Services Offered
MCHD Dentistry provides a comprehensive suite of dental services,including:
* Preventive Care: Cleanings,exams,oral health education,oral cancer screenings,digital X-rays,and dental sealants.
* Restorative Care: Simple extractions, root canals, bridges, same-day crowns, implants, dentures and partials.
* Cosmetic Dentistry: Custom bleaching trays,cosmetic bonding,porcelain veneers,and invisalign tooth straightening.
* Therapeutic & Cosmetic Procedures: Botox for TMJ disorder and cosmetic uses.
* Protective gear: Mouth guards.
The event will also allow for potential restorative work to be offered on a case-by-case basis, helping to address more complex dental needs.
The Importance of Oral Health
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over one in four (26%) adults in the United States experience untreated tooth decay [https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/tooth-decay/index.html]. The CDC further reports that adults with lower incomes, less than a high school education, and those who smoke are twice as likely to have untreated cavities compared to othre groups. These statistics highlight the disparities in oral health access and the importance of initiatives like Healthy Smiles day.
Key Takeaways
* Event: Healthy Smiles Day
* Date: November 22,2024
* Location: Monongalia County Health Department Dentistry
* Purpose: Provide affordable dental care to residents.
* Services: A wide range of dental treatments, from preventative care to cosmetic procedures.
* Need: Despite expanded Medicaid benefits, a significant need for affordable dental care persists.
Staying Informed
Residents are encouraged to visit the MCHD website https://www.monchd.org/]and follow their official social media pages on[Facebook[Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for up-to-date data on health and wellness programs in Monongalia County.
This annual event represents a vital effort to improve the oral health of the community and ensure that all residents have access to the care they need. MCHD dentistry’s commitment to providing comprehensive, affordable dental services is a valuable resource for Monongalia County.
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