Mission of Mercy just one piece of dental health care puzzle

By Dr. David Davidson

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Last year at the Iowa Mission of Mercy in Cedar Rapids, we got to know our first patient pretty well.

More than 24 hours before the doors opened, Dale sat first in line with his blanket, snacks and stories. We learned he was a former truck driver who was unemployed but hoping to drive a taxi soon. He showed pictures of his 6-year-old grandson who noted that he had never seen his grandfather smile. All the while, he spoke in the way people do when they are embarrassed about how their teeth look - little movement of his mouth.

Sadly, this is not a unique story. Throughout the three-year history of Iowa MOM, we have hundreds of stories that are as compelling as this one. We see children whose parents can barely make ends meet and are grateful for an opportunity for free dental care. We have seen an increase in retirees who once had dental care in their benefits package, but it was removed. We see people on a fixed-income who haven't seen a dentist in years because their Medicare benefit doesn't generally cover dental care.

These are just some of the reasons that Iowa's dentists have come together since 2008 to provide more than $2.5 million in free dental health care to 4,500 Iowans who need it most. But it isn't enough. There are still barriers that the dental community works to overcome every day.

With 85 percent of Iowans no farther than 5 miles from the closest dentist, we focus on removing financial barriers. Most of our Iowa dentists see Medicaid patients. Medicaid payments generally do not cover out-of-pocket costs of care. And, more often than not, there is more extensive dental work that needs to be done.

This situation will become even more critical as the number of Medicaid-eligible patients increases by more than 25 percent by 2014 because of Iowa Medicaid eligibility expansion in the federal Affordable Care Act.

There are many Iowans who don't have dental insurance, which is why Iowa dentists find ways to give back to the community in ways that also include providing reduced-cost or free services. Through programs such as Give Kids a Smile, Donated Dental Services (DDS), as well as other individual efforts, our dentists are working to provide dental health care to those who need it.

We have also worked with the Iowa Legislature. In 2005, legislation was passed requiring Iowa Medicaid children, 12 years of age and younger, to have a “dental home.” Our pilot project in Scott County is working with families, dentists and related agencies to put in place framework that can be duplicated statewide.

The Iowa MOM is our largest effort. This year's free clinic will be held in Sioux City at the Tyson Events Center on Friday and Saturday. We expect to see even more patients.

Why? Oral health care is critical to the overall well-being of all Iowans. Everyone who seeks care during Iowa MOM fundamentally understands that clean, cared-for teeth contribute to their overall wellness. If you don't believe it, visit Iowa MOM and see all the smiles.

It's the smiles that keep us motivated. Last year, Dale walked out with a smile so big, you would never know that it had been years since he had grinned. And, while Iowa MOM is a special event, we know it is just one piece of the solution to the “barriers to care” puzzle yet to be solved. We hope there soon will be smiles every day.

Dr. David Davidson is president of the Iowa Dental Association and a Des Moines dentist. Comments: drbeaverdale@hotmail.com