Callander: Improving dental care a critical need

Those who don’t take care of their teeth, either because of cost or indifference, run the risk of serious medical emergency, as evidenced by a Westmoreland County man who recently ended up with a $43,992 bill because he didn’t have the $25 for a follow-up dental appointment at the Northern Neck Free Health Clinic.

As astounding as that is, there is no better example of why it is critical for our country to improve health care — and dental care — access. A simple problem ignored can become a life-threatening emergency. The costs are passed on to all of us.

The excruciating pain and the severe swelling in the Westmoreland resident’s jaw, neck and throat, resulted in a $16,300 bill. Add to it a LifeEvac flight to Virginia Commonwealth Medical Center where he underwent surgery and stayed for three days at a cost of another $25,000, and remaining doctors’ charges and bills still to come.

I’m really sympathizing right now as I write this while experiencing mouth pain myself. Thankfully, I had the $1,100 in savings to pay for a “root canal” — more precisely “endodontic therapy” — just performed on an abscessed tooth. That despite the fact I get preventive care twice a year. Though the physical pain associated with an abscess is not pleasant, the monetary cost sure is a big “ouch.” I’ll be looking for a better dental insurance plan as a New Year’s resolution.

One way or the other my dental needs will be taken care of, but there are many in our region who are trying to ignore serious aches and pains because they can’t afford care or don’t know where to get help.

While we wait forever for dental care to be reformed nationwide, some modest programs currently are available to area residents.

The Family Access to Medical Insurance Security Plan (FAMIS) covers Virginia’s children or pregnant mothers based on income. Fortunately, no copays or monthly premiums are required.

The Moss Free Clinic in Fredericksburg will see low income adults if they have no health insurance, including no Medicaid and Medicare (even though those government programs do not cover dental needs, other than maybe an emergency extraction).

The free clinic appeals to area dentists to donate their time, now in their own dental offices because clinic space is limited.

The new Rappahannock Community Health Center for low-income residents, also located in Fredericksburg, has a dentist on staff, but there’s a waiting list of five months. Ouch.

Germanna Community College dental hygiene students will provide free cleanings, but there’s a huge need for total dental care. I can imagine what my life would be like if I didn’t have the many fillings, and a few crowns, that keep my teeth functioning.

Unfortunately, this enormous problem of providing dental care to low-income residents is not going to be fixed anytime soon, so area dentists who do not currently contribute some time should count their blessings and add “charity care” to their New Year’s Resolution list.

Alane Callander is a south Stafford resident active in many local causes. Reach her at info@staffordcountysun.com.