April Henne came to the dental clinic at the Saginaw Public Health Center when she was a child. Now she brings her kids. The clinic serves uninsured kids in Saginaw County. The cost: a donation.
"I don't have really good insurance to go just anywhere, but even if I did I would want to come here because of the quality of care," Henne says.
The dental clinic is a unique program. The Saginaw Public Health Center and Saginaw Department of Public Health also offer numerous services you can find at most county health departments.
Services include family planning, preventative health care, and immunizations.
The cost for many services in Saginaw county is based on your income. Health department leaders say even if you have insurance, you could save money by utilizing care at your local health department.
Saginaw County Health Department spokesperson Kathy Meyer says its something many people don't think of, "I think DPH is invisible in many communities because people are so accustomed to going to primary care physicians."
Patients using programs, like Susan Fischer say more people should check out what resources are available.
She became disabled due to foot problems caused by diabetes. She says the Saginaw Department of Public Health saved her life, "I'm tooling around now thanks to a program that helped me get my medications. There are people to help you. You may have to make some calls, talk to people at the health department, but there are people to help you."
http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=309294
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Patrick files updated budget that includes cuts to dental care for the poor
Governor Deval Patrick filed an updated budget proposal this afternoon that would cut nearly $800 million from the initial proposal he filed in January, including the elimination of adult dental benefits under state Medicaid plans.
Removing that benefit, which comes through the state's MassHealth program, would save the state $164 million but would leave 600,000 residents without vital dental care, including exams, cleanings, and root canals.
Patrick’s revised budget proposal does not include money from a sales tax hike that House and Senate lawmakers have approved with veto-proof margins, prolonging the conflict with the Legislature over whether to raise broad-based taxes to plug some of the state revenue shortfalls.
Patrick has maintained that he would veto the proposal unless lawmakers first approve reforms to the states’ ethics, pension, and transportation laws.
Patrick also includes in his proposal several other targeted tax plans – such as increasing taxes on soda and candy – that have been largely ignored by the Legislature.
“We believe our proposals still have merit,” Secretary of Administration and Finance Leslie Kirwan said in a briefing for reporters.
The plan preserves current levels of education local aid, but recommends a further reduction of $80 million in non-education local aid.
It also doesn’t include any funding for the Quinn Bill, a controversial program that protects pay bonuses for police officers who hold college degrees. The House also initially eliminated funding but later voted to restore about $25 million, about half of what is being spent on the program this year. The Senate approved $10 million for the program.
House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo and Senate President Therese Murray declined to comment this afternoon on Patrick's revised proposal, which comes about two weeks later than required.
There has been increasing tension with Patrick recently, particularly over the governor's threat to veto the Legislature's plan to hike the state's 5 percent sales tax to 6.25 percent.
A committee of House and Senate lawmakers are planning to start going over differences in their plans on Friday. They hope to come to agreement over the next few weeks, sending the proposal to Patrick’s desk. The new fiscal year begins on July 1.
Patrick today also proposed increasing state employee insurance contributions by 5 percentage points, which would save the state $26 million more than originally proposed but would increase health care costs for state employees.
State revenues have plummeted in recent months, and the revenue estimates that the governor and House lawmakers originally built their budgets on have since been revised.
Patrick, who submitted his original budget proposal in January, was relying on an estimate that the state would receive $19.5 billion next year. The House, Senate, and governor agreed last month to lower that estimate to $18 billion.
Patrick’s new proposal for a $26.9 billion budget (which also includes federal and other monies) is more than $1 billion less than his original proposal that was filed in January.
“I remain committed to protecting key programs like education and health care, and will continue to responsibly manage the state’s finances so that Massachusetts emerges from this downturn stronger than before,” Patrick said in a statement.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/06/patrick_files_u.html
Teeth Whitening and Laser Teeth Whitening
Removing that benefit, which comes through the state's MassHealth program, would save the state $164 million but would leave 600,000 residents without vital dental care, including exams, cleanings, and root canals.
Patrick’s revised budget proposal does not include money from a sales tax hike that House and Senate lawmakers have approved with veto-proof margins, prolonging the conflict with the Legislature over whether to raise broad-based taxes to plug some of the state revenue shortfalls.
Patrick has maintained that he would veto the proposal unless lawmakers first approve reforms to the states’ ethics, pension, and transportation laws.
Patrick also includes in his proposal several other targeted tax plans – such as increasing taxes on soda and candy – that have been largely ignored by the Legislature.
“We believe our proposals still have merit,” Secretary of Administration and Finance Leslie Kirwan said in a briefing for reporters.
The plan preserves current levels of education local aid, but recommends a further reduction of $80 million in non-education local aid.
It also doesn’t include any funding for the Quinn Bill, a controversial program that protects pay bonuses for police officers who hold college degrees. The House also initially eliminated funding but later voted to restore about $25 million, about half of what is being spent on the program this year. The Senate approved $10 million for the program.
House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo and Senate President Therese Murray declined to comment this afternoon on Patrick's revised proposal, which comes about two weeks later than required.
There has been increasing tension with Patrick recently, particularly over the governor's threat to veto the Legislature's plan to hike the state's 5 percent sales tax to 6.25 percent.
A committee of House and Senate lawmakers are planning to start going over differences in their plans on Friday. They hope to come to agreement over the next few weeks, sending the proposal to Patrick’s desk. The new fiscal year begins on July 1.
Patrick today also proposed increasing state employee insurance contributions by 5 percentage points, which would save the state $26 million more than originally proposed but would increase health care costs for state employees.
State revenues have plummeted in recent months, and the revenue estimates that the governor and House lawmakers originally built their budgets on have since been revised.
Patrick, who submitted his original budget proposal in January, was relying on an estimate that the state would receive $19.5 billion next year. The House, Senate, and governor agreed last month to lower that estimate to $18 billion.
Patrick’s new proposal for a $26.9 billion budget (which also includes federal and other monies) is more than $1 billion less than his original proposal that was filed in January.
“I remain committed to protecting key programs like education and health care, and will continue to responsibly manage the state’s finances so that Massachusetts emerges from this downturn stronger than before,” Patrick said in a statement.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/06/patrick_files_u.html
Teeth Whitening and Laser Teeth Whitening
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Natural Bad Breath Cure
A natural bad breath cure is something most of us could use. If there isn't less attractive then a person with bad breath? Nobody wants to kiss a person who smells like they just licked the bottom of the garbage can. There are a few ways to cure bad breath like brushing your teeth more often, chewing gum, and using mouthwash but those are really natural bad breath cures. This problem can stem form an unclean mouth so go to the dentist if you have to make sure there are not more serious dental problems.
Some of the natural bad breath cures would include yogurt, mint leaves, baking soda with warm water, tea, parsley, fenugreek seeds, cloves, fennel, guava, cardamom, and fresh fruits. So there are plenty of natural choices to help you get rid of bad breath. I prefer the fesh herbs when it comes to keeping my fresh breath in tact. Guava is also good not just for your problem but your overall health because it contain many essential vitamins and minerals they we should have to become and stay healthy.
You can find these items at a health food store and even some regular grocery store should have these herbs so I recommend you start searching for them if you do have this problem. Obviously how a person looks make them attractive but smells of a person also play a role in making a person even more attractive to another. If your body and breath smell good you become even more appealing to the opposite sex so getting a natural bad breath cure if you do suffer from it is very easy.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Natural-Bad-Breath-Cure&id=2292729
Some of the natural bad breath cures would include yogurt, mint leaves, baking soda with warm water, tea, parsley, fenugreek seeds, cloves, fennel, guava, cardamom, and fresh fruits. So there are plenty of natural choices to help you get rid of bad breath. I prefer the fesh herbs when it comes to keeping my fresh breath in tact. Guava is also good not just for your problem but your overall health because it contain many essential vitamins and minerals they we should have to become and stay healthy.
You can find these items at a health food store and even some regular grocery store should have these herbs so I recommend you start searching for them if you do have this problem. Obviously how a person looks make them attractive but smells of a person also play a role in making a person even more attractive to another. If your body and breath smell good you become even more appealing to the opposite sex so getting a natural bad breath cure if you do suffer from it is very easy.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Natural-Bad-Breath-Cure&id=2292729
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Homemade Teeth Whitening - Get an Impressive Smile For Less
It is possible that after coming across the several claims made by the many products available in the market, you may not be sure if there are any products really worth the money spent on them. Apart from this, many individuals are doubtful about the effectiveness and more importantly the safety of using such over-the-counter products. It is understandable as the dental treatments were the only solutions to whitening problems until a decade ago.
The homemade teeth whitening systems became popular with the increased number of individuals who wished to lighten their teeth after testimonials from celebrities who were enjoying the benefits of white bright teeth and charming smiles. However, not everyone was pleased with the price they had to pay their dentists for mere aesthetic purposes.
Then, people began to use home remedies for whitening teeth. This came as the right solution for the ones who were looking for the combination of effective results and affordable prices.
So, why have home based whitening systems become more attractive to consumers?
To start with, most of the these are re-engineered, simplified, and perfected to suit the needs of interested individuals. Some of the impressive features are that the kits available contain almost the same compositions as used by the dentists and they are very simple to use. The time and money spent for using the whitening products is much less and are very easy and comfortable to use. Apart from these, they can give the best results in the case of teeth complications that are in the initial stages. The cotton swabs and whitening gels make a deadly combination at attacking stains effectively within a short period of time.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Homemade-Teeth-Whitening---Get-an-Impressive-
Smile-For-Less&id=2196076
The homemade teeth whitening systems became popular with the increased number of individuals who wished to lighten their teeth after testimonials from celebrities who were enjoying the benefits of white bright teeth and charming smiles. However, not everyone was pleased with the price they had to pay their dentists for mere aesthetic purposes.
Then, people began to use home remedies for whitening teeth. This came as the right solution for the ones who were looking for the combination of effective results and affordable prices.
So, why have home based whitening systems become more attractive to consumers?
To start with, most of the these are re-engineered, simplified, and perfected to suit the needs of interested individuals. Some of the impressive features are that the kits available contain almost the same compositions as used by the dentists and they are very simple to use. The time and money spent for using the whitening products is much less and are very easy and comfortable to use. Apart from these, they can give the best results in the case of teeth complications that are in the initial stages. The cotton swabs and whitening gels make a deadly combination at attacking stains effectively within a short period of time.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Homemade-Teeth-Whitening---Get-an-Impressive-
Smile-For-Less&id=2196076
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Best Ways of Overcoming Dental Phobia
Almost anyone might have experienced some from of dental phobia i.e. afraid of visiting the dentist even though they really need to. Overcoming dental phobia requires that the problem be analyzed before a cure is prescribed. In many cases the phobia is perfectly normal but in extreme cases it can be a reason to be concerned. Even a simple thing such as getting your teeth cleaned by a dentist can cause some anxiety and fear. Since the teeth area very intimate part of your body and are lodged inside of your face and feel much like bone. The second reason for fear is dentistry hasn't always been safe and painless as it is today.
It is common knowledge that modern dental techniques used cause little or no pain. However once a person does visit a dentist they finally overcome their fear. In other people that natural fear of dental treatment grows into a full blown phobia. There are also several factors that influence this.
Sitting in a dentist's char can be a bit nerve wreaking from a psychosocial point of view. A simple procedure of getting your teeth cleaned requires that you lie helplessly and immobile on a dentist's chair that reclines when a dentist starts to work on your teeth. This means that you feel helpless and hence fear can set in.
The best way to over come this dental phobia is to first visit the dentist's clinic and speak in detail to the dentist about the procedure. Most dentists will be glad to lend you some of their knowledge and make you feel easy.
People who suffer from these types of extreme phobias should seek some from of hypnotherapy treatment. This can at times take time but the end result is a life time of being free of dental phobias.
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Best-Ways-of-Overcoming-Dental-Phobia&id=2127597
It is common knowledge that modern dental techniques used cause little or no pain. However once a person does visit a dentist they finally overcome their fear. In other people that natural fear of dental treatment grows into a full blown phobia. There are also several factors that influence this.
Sitting in a dentist's char can be a bit nerve wreaking from a psychosocial point of view. A simple procedure of getting your teeth cleaned requires that you lie helplessly and immobile on a dentist's chair that reclines when a dentist starts to work on your teeth. This means that you feel helpless and hence fear can set in.
The best way to over come this dental phobia is to first visit the dentist's clinic and speak in detail to the dentist about the procedure. Most dentists will be glad to lend you some of their knowledge and make you feel easy.
People who suffer from these types of extreme phobias should seek some from of hypnotherapy treatment. This can at times take time but the end result is a life time of being free of dental phobias.
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Best-Ways-of-Overcoming-Dental-Phobia&id=2127597
Friday, February 27, 2009
Group Wants Stimulus To Help Kids' Dental Care
LAUREL, Md. - A group gathering at the University of Maryland dental school Wednesday encouraged the governor to use some of the federal stimulus money to help children get dental care with their health benefits from the state.
Wednesday marked the two-year anniversary of the death of 12-year-old Deamonte Driver, of Prince George's County, who died after an untreated tooth infection spread to his brain.
Officials said $80 worth of dental care may have saved his life, but his family couldn't find a dentist who would accept their Medicaid.
"Hundreds of thousands of Deamontes are walking the streets of America every day unable to concentrate in school, unable to eat and speak properly and at risk for serious disease -- and yes, even death," said Rep. Elijah Cummings.
Cummings has since introduced several pieces of legislation to Congress to make sure children receiving health care benefits from the state also get dental care. Currently, those programs could use a boost.
"We must rededicate ourselves today to the work ahead, and much needs to be done," said John Colmers, secretary of the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Cummings is urging Gov. Martin O'Malley to use some of the $87 billion that Maryland will receive from the recent stimulus act towards the cause.
"I strongly support the Dental Action Committee's recommendation that O'Malley use some of these funds to raise reimbursement rates for those who treat Medicaid patients. We know that increasing a dentist's pay will not solve this crisis, but it will go a long way towards improving access to care," Cummings said.
The Dental Action Committee said if the reimbursement is increased, Maryland could double the number of participating dentists, which could means double the amount of children who will get the preventative treatment Deamonte never did.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29391342/
Wednesday marked the two-year anniversary of the death of 12-year-old Deamonte Driver, of Prince George's County, who died after an untreated tooth infection spread to his brain.
Officials said $80 worth of dental care may have saved his life, but his family couldn't find a dentist who would accept their Medicaid.
"Hundreds of thousands of Deamontes are walking the streets of America every day unable to concentrate in school, unable to eat and speak properly and at risk for serious disease -- and yes, even death," said Rep. Elijah Cummings.
Cummings has since introduced several pieces of legislation to Congress to make sure children receiving health care benefits from the state also get dental care. Currently, those programs could use a boost.
"We must rededicate ourselves today to the work ahead, and much needs to be done," said John Colmers, secretary of the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Cummings is urging Gov. Martin O'Malley to use some of the $87 billion that Maryland will receive from the recent stimulus act towards the cause.
"I strongly support the Dental Action Committee's recommendation that O'Malley use some of these funds to raise reimbursement rates for those who treat Medicaid patients. We know that increasing a dentist's pay will not solve this crisis, but it will go a long way towards improving access to care," Cummings said.
The Dental Action Committee said if the reimbursement is increased, Maryland could double the number of participating dentists, which could means double the amount of children who will get the preventative treatment Deamonte never did.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29391342/
Monday, February 02, 2009
Clinics help more get dental care
Needy dental patients abound, and the number of dentists available to help them is growing.
Now, they have to do a better job of getting together.
Two new Medicaid dental clinics that opened in Binghamton last year provided better access for patients who traditionally lacked care.
Yet only a fraction of a growing number of Medicaid patients received dental care, according to the Broome County Department of Health.
The good news, according to director Claudia Edwards, is the clinics are making a significant difference after less than a year. The number of Medicaid patients who received dental services in 2008 grew 17 percent to more than 13,700.
The sad reality remains that, for one reason or another, most of the 35,000 Medicaid patients in Broome County still don't make it to the dentist. Too often, they book appointments only after they are plagued by infections, gum disease, broken teeth or hard-to-treat complications.
Dr. Michael Wilson opened Wilson Dental on Chenango Street in March. His practice quickly grew to a staff of about 25 people, including six dentists. At first, patients had to book appointments months in advance. Now, he is often scheduling appointments a day or two in advance - an indication that he can handle more patients.
While he continues to add about 400 new patients a month, he loses many of the old ones.
Many patients tend to be transitory, so they can be hard to locate when it comes time for their cleaning and check- up. They also tend to have problems, such as transportation issues, that make going to the dentist less of a priority.
"There are many people who will come in when it hurts," Wilson said. "But you fix the problem and it doesn't hurt anymore, teeth go back down to the bottom of the list of things they have to worry about."
It should be a worry, however, given recent studies that show dental health correlates with overall health.
People with periodontal disease and infections are more likely to suffer from other serious health problems ranging from heart disease to complications from diabetes, according to recent studies.
"A lot of it has to do with getting information out there that dental care has a lot to do with the rest of their health," Wilson said. "Education is huge."
The responsibility rests with the community at large, said Sandra Sanzo, director of medical services for the Broome County Department of Social Services. She points out that many patients, regardless of income, tend to skip preventive care.
"It's like anything else," she said. "Some people go religiously, and some people don't go until there is a problem."
More primary care doctors, gynecologists, school nurses and other care providers should be advocating oral health and referring patients who need it, she said.
http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20090202/NEWS01/902020317/1001
Now, they have to do a better job of getting together.
Two new Medicaid dental clinics that opened in Binghamton last year provided better access for patients who traditionally lacked care.
Yet only a fraction of a growing number of Medicaid patients received dental care, according to the Broome County Department of Health.
The good news, according to director Claudia Edwards, is the clinics are making a significant difference after less than a year. The number of Medicaid patients who received dental services in 2008 grew 17 percent to more than 13,700.
The sad reality remains that, for one reason or another, most of the 35,000 Medicaid patients in Broome County still don't make it to the dentist. Too often, they book appointments only after they are plagued by infections, gum disease, broken teeth or hard-to-treat complications.
Dr. Michael Wilson opened Wilson Dental on Chenango Street in March. His practice quickly grew to a staff of about 25 people, including six dentists. At first, patients had to book appointments months in advance. Now, he is often scheduling appointments a day or two in advance - an indication that he can handle more patients.
While he continues to add about 400 new patients a month, he loses many of the old ones.
Many patients tend to be transitory, so they can be hard to locate when it comes time for their cleaning and check- up. They also tend to have problems, such as transportation issues, that make going to the dentist less of a priority.
"There are many people who will come in when it hurts," Wilson said. "But you fix the problem and it doesn't hurt anymore, teeth go back down to the bottom of the list of things they have to worry about."
It should be a worry, however, given recent studies that show dental health correlates with overall health.
People with periodontal disease and infections are more likely to suffer from other serious health problems ranging from heart disease to complications from diabetes, according to recent studies.
"A lot of it has to do with getting information out there that dental care has a lot to do with the rest of their health," Wilson said. "Education is huge."
The responsibility rests with the community at large, said Sandra Sanzo, director of medical services for the Broome County Department of Social Services. She points out that many patients, regardless of income, tend to skip preventive care.
"It's like anything else," she said. "Some people go religiously, and some people don't go until there is a problem."
More primary care doctors, gynecologists, school nurses and other care providers should be advocating oral health and referring patients who need it, she said.
http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20090202/NEWS01/902020317/1001
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