Tomah Journal - Printable Version

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Published - Tuesday, July 06, 2004

Letter: Message to dentists: Talk is cheap

This letter is in response to the letter published on June 22, from the President of the Wisconsin Dental Association (which I assume was in response to my first letter).

Point by point - Why is Wisconsin among the lowest five states in the nation with regard to the percentage of MA funds spent on dental care? Let's change that! MA and Badgercare has dropped the ball when it comes to dental coverage.

You say dental offices are "small businesses and cannot afford to treat MA/BadgerCare patients." Most small businesses do not charge approximately $100 for 1/2-hour of work. Maybe the state should pay more on these programs, but could there be some give on the dentists' part, too?

Next point: First, let me say that the "charity" work done by some dentists in Monroe County is great, but programs like Give Kids a Smile do not fix a bad tooth.

Don't get me wrong. I think the programs are fine and very worthwhile, especially for the younger kids that they're aiming at.

That brings me to the next important point - why, when you talk about these programs, do you call them "charity"? Charity is when you get something for nothing. Now, I realize there are some people out there who are abusing this program, but for the most part, these are hardworking people with families who are just trying to get by on what they earn. They pay taxes! Some are elderly who have paid taxes for a good portion of their lives. The attitude we got from most of Monroe County's dentists is "that we don't do charity"!

So, you say in your letter that the "WDA stands ready to help design a program that gives MA/BadgerCare patients easier access to needed care at local dental offices." Talk is cheap. I, for one, and I know a lot more people who would help, would like to do just that, design a program where Monroe County would HAVE TO take dental patients who are on MA/BadgerCare. After all, like you said, "Good oral health is vital to overall wellness."

I encourage everyone out there to write their Senators, Congressmen and local government to change this. I also would like the President of the WDA to inform us all how we can help to get this changed.

This is just wrong, and we need not only the policy changed, but the attitudes of all the dentists out there. If we all work together, maybe it will change.

Karen Clark,

Tomah