By Ron Smith/KPR
Frankfort, KY – Kentucky is doing a better job of providing dental services for low-income children but needs to do more. That's according to the 2011 County Data Book, released today by Kentucky Youth Advocates. It says the percentage of children enrolled in the Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program and Medicaid who received dental services increased from 38 percent in 2001 to 57 percent in 2010. Executive Director Terry Brooks adds there are obstacles and opportunities for child dental care. One is expense. The other is access
"For instance, Gov. Beshear had initiated a Healthy Smiles Kentucky initiative to improve oral health of children in eastern Kentucky through very focused training for dentists around how to take care of kids. We know that it's something that lots of dentists don't have specialized training in."
Brooks was also encouraged by community outreach programs that use dental students. The Commonwealth recently received a "C" grade on oral health care provided for children. It concluded one in three Kentucky children suffer from problems like cavities and bleeding gums.