What is dental access?
The availability of preventive and treatment dental services for all Saline County residents.

Why is this issue important to the community at this time?
Dental care impacts health, employability, and absenteeism. Learning and is not available to all residents, especially the lower income.

What is causing this to happen?
Access:

Demand for services increasing

Shortage of dentists

Fewer dentists serve Kansas Medical Assistance Program (KMAP) and uninsured patients

Capacity limitations of free health clinic

Transportation to appointments

Language/cultural barriers

Income:

Unemployment

Reduction in insurance coverage

Poverty

Costs of service

Who is most affected by this issue?

Preschool and school age children

All insured and uninsured residents of Saline County

How is this issue being addressed in Salina and Saline County?

SALINA Family HealthCARE Center will pursue grants to establish a dental clinic.

Salina Area United Way is participating in the statewide coalition, Oral Health Kansas organization.

What are some of the opportunities and challenges presented by this issue?
Opportunities:

Saline County designated as underserved by KDHE.

Efforts to increase capacity of free community clinic underway.

Public awareness is increasing.

Challenges:

Insufficient preventive and treatment services for all Saline County residents.

Shortage of dental professionals.

Dental professionals reluctance to serve KMAP and uninsured residents.

Who are contact persons for community action on this issue?

Ann Jung, SALINA Family HealthCARE Center, 785-826-1511

Marcia Hawkes, SALINA Family HealthCARE Center, 785-825-7251

Hampton McDowell, Salina Area United Way, 785-827-1312