State Earns a “C” in Pew Report Card

A national 50-state report card gives Michigan a ‘C’ grade for children’s dental health. Nationwide, more than 16 million children go each year without seeing a dentist. The report released today by the Pew Center on the States reveals that Michigan met only four out of eight benchmarks for sound oral health policies.

This is the second straight year Michigan earned a “C” and is among 22 other states that made no progress on their grade since last year’s report.
To develop the report, Pew assessed states and the District of Columbia on eight proven policy solutions that ensure dental health and access to care for children. The policies fall into four groups: cost-effective oral health
prevention programs, such as sealants and fluoridation; Medicaid improvements that enable and motivate more dentists to treat low-income children; innovative workforce models that expand the number of qualified dental providers; and the availability of oral health data. Each state was then given a grade on an A to F scale.

The report reveals some areas in which Michigan stands out:
· Michigan does well providing fluoridated water to residents (89.8 percent) whose homes are connected to public water systems. Studies prove that fluoridation reduces tooth decay by 18 to 40 percent.

· Michigan does not require a dentist’s exam before a hygienist, working in a school program places dental sealants. Dental sealants are recognized as one of the best preventive strategies for children at high risk for cavities. Sealants cost one-third as much as filling a cavity and studies have shown that sealant programs targeted to schools with many high-risk children are a cost-effective strategy-as children living in poverty suffer two times more untreated tooth decay than their peers.

This report is the second time that Pew has assessed and graded all states on their dental health policies for kids. To view Pew’s fact sheet on Michigan and learn more details about the state’s progress on oral health, visit
www.pewcenteronthestates.org/dental/makingcoveragematter.

Budget Process Moves Ahead

This week was a newsworthy one here at the Capitol. The Senate, with a necessary tie-breaking vote by Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley, passed House Bill 4361, the legislation that makes a number of reforms to Michigan’s business and income taxes.

The bill contained a number of provisions, with the business and pension tax receiving the most attention. The bill passed by the Senate contained $1 billion in tax relief for small businesses by repealing the Michigan Business Tax and replacing it with a six percent income tax on C-corporations. The other major component, which will raise $300 million in revenue, was the changes to the income tax exemptions on certain types of retirement and pension income. Under current law, only private pensions and unmatched income on 401(k) plans over $45,120 for an individual or $90,240 for a couple are taxed. For a detailed look at these changes, click on Pension Chart, which was developed by Senator Bruce Caswell.
 
This Monday, the Consensus Revenue Estimating conference will be held. It is predicted that for FY 2012 there will be a surplus of $500-$600 million. With these estimates, Coalition staff expects House and Senate leadership to set revenue targets with conference committees to meet soon after. Will the Legislature have a budget in place by Governor Snyder proposed May 31st deadline? The Coalition will continue to keep you updated.

“Great Things Are Not Done by Impulse”

Have you ever heard the quote “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together?” Well, the same is true for your Coalition’s efforts.

In advocacy, our local relationships with legislators are critical in bringing about change. This fall, we celebrated the restoration of adult dental as a victory for Michigan’s most vulnerable. However, with a new Administration, many new lawmakers as well as an estimated $1.6 billion state budget deficit for FY 2012, we are realistic in our need for continued advocacy.

Our Coalition workgroups continue to meet and I encourage all members to participate in the Legislative Workgroup, CDC Grant Workgroup, Continuing Education Workgroup, Membership Committee, or the State Fluoridation Advisory Committee. These groups are vital to our statewide efforts.

The Coalition continues to build relationships in “small things” with a variety of state and national groups. Here are a few programs I’d like to highlight as we work to improve the oral health of all Michigan residents.

*Legislative Letter on FY 2011 Appropriations
The Coalition added its name to a Pew Center on the States letter urging congressional leadership to finalize work on the FY 2011 appropriations bills without delay, and to provide agencies of the US Public Health Service with the highest increase proposed by either the House or the Senate.

*Hispanic Dental Association
On Oct. 28, the Coalition participated in a stakeholder session titled “Improving Oral Health Access to Services for Hispanics through Workforce Diversity.” A report will be issued by the Hispanic Dental Association with recommendations on workforce, disparities and overall health.

*2010 Coalition Fall Member Meeting
Forty-five members from across the state participated in our Nov. 12 meeting. From the evaluations, members agreed it was a great opportunity to network and learn more about coalition, state and federal initiatives. A hearty thank you to speakers Chris Farrell, Michigan’s oral health director and Meg Booth, Children’s Dental Health Project in Washington, DC and member Cheryl Gildner, Ingham County Health Department for hosting the event.

*Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan Health Fair
By partnering with the Michigan Department of Community Health on Nov. 12, the Coalition utilized Smiles on Wheels, a collaborative practice model/PA 161 program to offer free screenings, oral health education and products, as well as a listing of safety net clinics.

*Conference on Oral Health of Vulnerable Adults
The Coalition invited Sherri King, Michigan Office of Services to the Aging and Kathleen Johnston-Calati, Michigan Disability Rights Coalition to join us for the American Dental Association’s Nov. 18 symposium on oral health for vulnerable adults. Anticipated outcome is a program to increase access to comprehensive dental care for one nursing home or adult foster care residence.

Thank you again for your support. It is a privilege to serve as your executive director and I look forward to another exciting year. If you have a question or would like to set up a visit, please contact me.

Sincerely,
Karlene Ketola, MHSA
Executive Director

Dental Health Cuts: Slashing Our Future?

Thank you to member Eric Heisser, pre-dental student at the University of Michigan, for his letter to the editor. The complete letter was featured in the Jan. 21, 2010 issue of the Muskegon Chronicle.

Acupuncture May Ease Anxiety Over Dental Work

Did you know that fear of the dentist keeps many people from getting the dental care they need, but new research suggests that an ancient Chinese treatment — acupuncture — may provide quick relief. One in 20 people suffer from odontophobia — severe anxiety about dentistry — and a third of all people say they have moderate anxiety when seeing the dentist, the researchers said.

“We can offer patients a safe, fast and cheap treatment for their odontophobia,” said lead researcher Dr. Palle Rosted, from the department of oncology at Weston Park Hospital in Sheffield, England. Other available treatments, such as distraction, relaxation techniques, tranquilizers and sedation, can be time-consuming or have side effects, Rosted said. “Moreover, in some patients, the more traditional treatments are not sufficient. By offering acupuncture, the dentist has an extra tool in his bag,” he said. The report is published in the March 29 issue of Acupuncture in Medicine. What do you think about acupuncture being used in the dental practice?

Benefits of Membership: FREE Webinar on Health Reform

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Obama on March 24, 2010. This health care reform law includes many oral health provisions in the areas of Coverage and Access, Prevention and Infrastructure, and Workforce and Training. The Michigan Oral Health Coalition, Virginia Oral
Health Coalition, and Oral Health Kansas have joined together to sponsor a FREE webinar on April 12 (2-3 pm EDT) for our members to detail the oral health provisions of the law. The webinar will be presented by Dr. Burton Edelstein, founder of the Children’s Dental Health Project. Register today at bit.ly/cbFj09.

Marine City Resumes Fluoridation

Several local dental professionals, residents and a representative from the health department showed their support for water fluoridation at the Feb. 18 Marine City Commission meeting. St. Clair County Health Department
Medical Director Dr. Annette Mercatante named fluoride as “one of the most important health components in the community.”

Mercatante said during her extensive research, she found “no real scientific controversy” with fluoride administered in the proper quantities. Resident Kim Turner said she was opposed to fluoridating city water,
pointing out the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s warning on toothpaste to keep it out of reach of children. Turner said she has avoided fluoride and has had no problems with tooth decay.

Mayor Bob Lepley presented a list of more than 100 national and international organizations that recognize fluoride as a health benefit in preventing tooth decay. Lepley said his research led him to take a profluoride
position. He made a motion to take steps aimed at getting another fluoridation unit for the water plant to resume the practice of treating city water. The vote was 5-1 for fluoridation, with Turner the dissenting vote.

Medicaid Billing and CHAMPS Webinar April 19

With last year’s switch to CHAMPS, many dental providers are still experiencing issues related to claims and reporting. Join us April 19 from 12 to 1 p.m. for “Medicaid Billing and CHAMPS.” The program is a great opportunity for the entire dental office staff to learn firsthand about the CHAMPS system and get answers to those nagging
billing questions. Fee: $25. Registration info at www.mohc.org.

Legislative Update on MDCH Budget

Coalition members and staff continue to advocate for the reinstatement of Medicaid adult dental. Today, the Senate approved SB 1152 (Michigan Department of Community Health budget) which fully reinstates adult dental. The estimated cost would be $5.25 million General Fund, which
would bring in $14.3 million in federal match. We will continue our advocacy efforts.

In the past two weeks, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Health held hearings on the budget. Board Chair Patti Ulrich and Janice Joseph, DDS testified on behalf of the Coalition. The Subcommittee’s next public hearing is scheduled April 19 (9 a.m.) at the State Capitol. If you are interested in testifying or
attending, please contact Karlene Ketola at 517.381.8000, Ext. 218.

Dr. Vandenbush Accepts New Position

The Coalition, along with the Michigan Department of Community Health, says farewell to Dr. Sheila Vandenbush. Dr. Vandenbush has accepted a new position in Dallas. Her final day with the Department is this Friday, January 22. There will be a reception tomorrow from 2 to 5 p.m. at the MDCH offices located at 109 W. Michigan Avenue in Lansing.