Western Dental continues efforts to drive awareness and reduce dental disease in kids
A recent study by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on dental decay in the U.S. showed cavity rates dropped nationwide in 2016, but there was virtually no change among minorities living primarily in poverty.
Overall, U.S. cavity rates among children dropped from 50 percent in 2012 to 44 percent in 2016. However, Hispanic youths had a disproportionate number of cavities at 52 percent and African-American children had the most untreated cavities at 17 percent, highlighting the urgent need to inform and aid parents in these communities about the importance of regular dental visits
“Many families in Latino and African-American communities have not had access to the information about the importance of preventive visits. Culturally, visiting a dentist was saved for emergencies only,” said Corina Ramirez, DDS, pediatric clinical director for Western Dental, the largest California provider of dental care services to Medi-Cal Dental (Denti-Cal) members. “We want these communities to know about the resources available to them, which can greatly improve oral health among minorities.” (read more)