- More than 2,200 regions in the United States have been labeled as "Dental Health Shortage Areas"
by the Federal Health Resources and Service Administration.
- An estimate 31,000,000 Americans live in these areas without proper access to dental care.
- +4,560 Number of additional dentists needed to address the shortage issue.
- 17 Million children go withou dental care. Every year 4,500,000 develop pediatric dental disease.
- 44% of children will suffer from Pediatric Dental Disease before they reach kindergarten.
- 25% of children, ages 5-17, account for 80% of cavaties in permanent teeth.
- Decay in baby teeth over a 10-year period: 1994 – 24%, 2004 – 28%.
- 51 Million – School hours lost due to pediatric dental disease.
- For every $1 that is spent on preventative measures, American tax payers are saved as much as $10 in restorative and emergency procedures for the under and uninsured.
- The primary reason for childhood emergency room visits – pediatric dental disease.
- Left untreated pediatric dental disease can lead to: malnourishment, bacterial infections, emergency surgery, death.
Sources:
ada.org,
cdc.gov,
gao.gov,
http:www.ncohf.org,
The George Washington University
Spear
7201 E. Princess Boulevard
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Phone: 866 781 0072
speareducation.com
