|
1. What is the role of the Arkansas Office of Oral Health?
The Vision Statement: for the Office of Oral Health is "Optimum
oral health for every citizen of Arkansas." To that end, the
Office provides resources and support for counties, communities,
neighborhoods, schools, and professional groups to address oral
health needs and disparities.
Top Of Page
2. What is water fluoridation?
All water supplies in the world contain some fluoride. Water fluoridation
is the adjustment of that fluoride level to the level known to prevent
dental caries (tooth decay).
Top Of Page
3. Why should my community or water district be fluoridated?
Adjusting the level of fluoride to the recommended level for caries
prevention can prevent 40-60% of all tooth decay in children, adults
and the elderly. The Office of Oral Health helps communities obtain
funding for fluoridation equipment, training and technical assistance.
Water supplies then must only pay for the fluoride itself. Fluoridation
costs less than 50 cents per person per year. A lifetime of fluoridation
costs less than one dental filling.
Top Of Page
4. What is the P.A.N.D.A. program?
P.A.N.D.A. stands for Prevent Abuse and Neglect through Dental
Awareness. It is an educational and awareness program designed to
help health care professionals and others in how to help prevent
family violence (child abuse and neglect, domestic violence, and
elder abuse and neglect).
Top Of Page
5. How do I gather information on oral health conditions in my community?
The Office of Oral Health assists schools, community groups and
professional organizations in conducting dental screenings and other
data gathering efforts. For information on dental screenings, contact
the Office of Oral Health at 501-661-2595.
Top Of Page
6. How do I get Medicaid or AR Kids First for my child's dental
needs?
Contact the Department of Human Services at 1-888-474-8275 or
online at http://www.arkidsfirst.com/apply.htm
Top Of Page
7. I am over 21, have dental problems and can't afford dental care.
How do I get help?
Resources are available from a number of different groups.
1. You can contact the Arkansas State Dental Association at 501-771-7650 or 501-834-7650
for a referral to a dentist in your area.
2. If you are medically-compromised,
you can contact the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program at 501-221-3033 or 800-932-8247.
3. You can contact the Community Health Center in your area. Community
Health Centers are federally-funded clinics that treat patients
based on a "sliding scale," meaning that they charge for
their services based on what patients can afford. For information
on your closest community health center, contact Community Health
Centers of Arkansas at 501-374-8225.
Top Of Page
|
