Maybe I missed the memo. I just don’t understand how things work today. There are programs, charities, and all sorts of help out there for someone with cancer. A bride gets robbed and people step in. Kids with terminal illness get wishes granted. Why is there nothing for an adult who needs help with their teeth?
Ok before I get on my soap box I know there are plenty of low cost clinics for people who can’t pay the cost of a regular dentist. Yes there are also free programs. Let me tell you the experiences a good friend of mine has had with those. Please know she doesn’t live very close to a major city. A fact I’ve teased her about. So maybe her situation is unique. There are two clinics close to her. One in the next state over. A hour plus drive. The other is 30 minutes. Both clinics want cash before doing work. The cost of a root canal, which she needs right away, anywhere from $200 to $500. She and her husband are barely making ends meet. If there is a free clinic, they don't have time or resources to make new teeth, do root canals, or make a cap. All of those jobs take time, and time is money. I went and checked with several local dentists in my town. I also checked with the Department of Dental Health in my state. In both cases the response I got was that even when a dentist offers a free clinic they get overwhelmed with the number of people who come in. Many of whom are like my friend. Unable to get work done. They put it off, and when they get to these clinics the best the dentists can do in the time they have per patient is find the tooth they can best fix.
I know there have to be others like her. Those who serve the country in some function. I know personally of a cashier who has hardly any of her teeth left. I’m sure we have all met people who have lost their teeth. My current dentist has told me that dental health is of primary importance. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, poor dental heath may contribute to a number of very serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and possibly even cancer. Despite this, the new health care coming in will not really help those who quilify for medicade or medicare when it comes to teeth.
Is it just me or is there a hole in this great country of ours when it comes to helping the less fortunate. The funny thing is I bet many of these people are not poor. They probably work regular jobs, and deal with kids, animals and other responsibilities. Yet they can not get dental work done that they need. Instead the option is getting their teeth pulled. She doesn't want that. I told her to set up an account with gofundme. I didn't tell her I was writing this. She doesn't think that anyone will help. I want to prove her wrong. I am sending this into the internet, through Yahoo. and a couple of newspapers. My goal is to establish a grant, or perhaps a chairty that would pay for dental care. My request is that if you can help, please do. You can give anything. I have a link to the gofundme page. I will donate all the proceeds of this story to her. Please help if you can. http://www.gofundme.com/4wdzh0
Ok before I get on my soap box I know there are plenty of low cost clinics for people who can’t pay the cost of a regular dentist. Yes there are also free programs. Let me tell you the experiences a good friend of mine has had with those. Please know she doesn’t live very close to a major city. A fact I’ve teased her about. So maybe her situation is unique. There are two clinics close to her. One in the next state over. A hour plus drive. The other is 30 minutes. Both clinics want cash before doing work. The cost of a root canal, which she needs right away, anywhere from $200 to $500. She and her husband are barely making ends meet. If there is a free clinic, they don't have time or resources to make new teeth, do root canals, or make a cap. All of those jobs take time, and time is money. I went and checked with several local dentists in my town. I also checked with the Department of Dental Health in my state. In both cases the response I got was that even when a dentist offers a free clinic they get overwhelmed with the number of people who come in. Many of whom are like my friend. Unable to get work done. They put it off, and when they get to these clinics the best the dentists can do in the time they have per patient is find the tooth they can best fix.
I know there have to be others like her. Those who serve the country in some function. I know personally of a cashier who has hardly any of her teeth left. I’m sure we have all met people who have lost their teeth. My current dentist has told me that dental health is of primary importance. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, poor dental heath may contribute to a number of very serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and possibly even cancer. Despite this, the new health care coming in will not really help those who quilify for medicade or medicare when it comes to teeth.
Is it just me or is there a hole in this great country of ours when it comes to helping the less fortunate. The funny thing is I bet many of these people are not poor. They probably work regular jobs, and deal with kids, animals and other responsibilities. Yet they can not get dental work done that they need. Instead the option is getting their teeth pulled. She doesn't want that. I told her to set up an account with gofundme. I didn't tell her I was writing this. She doesn't think that anyone will help. I want to prove her wrong. I am sending this into the internet, through Yahoo. and a couple of newspapers. My goal is to establish a grant, or perhaps a chairty that would pay for dental care. My request is that if you can help, please do. You can give anything. I have a link to the gofundme page. I will donate all the proceeds of this story to her. Please help if you can. http://www.gofundme.com/4wdzh0
