Coming from a low-income and primarily minority-based community, I have come to realize how quite often such health services, such as dental care, are not economically feasible for members of the community. My main reason for feeling this way is the mere fact that my parents are unable to receive quality dental care due to their immigrant status. As it currently is people of statuses similar to these, generally all similar in that they are low income, are only eligible to receive the most basic of health coverage. This translates into situations where entire families are only receiving the most basic of coverage. This is the main reason as to why I am motivated and dedicated to pursuing a profession in dentistry. I can be a leading and innovative force in making the necessary changes to rectify the current quality disparity between the services that is offered to higher income communities in comparison to lower income communities.
The reason I feel am I both qualified and ready for this
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These have included such non-profit events such as cleaning local lakes and waterways. Volunteering for certain events such as reading to kids in minority elementary schools, as well as traveling to various parts of the state to further spread the influence of our program as well as networking with associates from sintering programs. The impediments you encounter in life are set out to test an individual’s resilience and drive, what motivates a person to soar higher towards success is their passion and dedication’. An equivalent statement has always been my inherent conviction. Likewise, I have always remained an ambitious
This case study is based on the Metrolina Health Center, which was started by Dr. Charles Warren. Williams and several medical colleagues with a $25,000 grant typically from the Department of Health and Human Services. Dr. Williams is the first African American to have services on this category of staff; Charlotte’s Memorial Hospital, which is undoubtedly the Charlotte’s largest hospital. The main concern of Dr. Williams is the health care needs of poor people in the area. He had always focused on making the word a better place, especially for the people who feel less fortunate. The doctor also went ahead with enlisting the aid of a local dentist, Dr. John murphy among other professionals including the director of the Sickle
I think that being able to give people more access to care and more affordable care will really open up the world to dentistry. It will make people more aware of going to get their teeth cleaned and also maybe make them more willing to go. I think this position is also a very good idea because it may reduce certain dental fears that people may have once they realize that mid-level providers are there to help them not to purposefully harm them like they may believe dentists intend to do. I am hoping that years from now if this profession takes off, dental disease will decrease and more people will be aware of taking care of their teeth. I think by educating people and showing them how important dental care is and how easy it could be to access with mid-level providers, this could change the way that people look at dentistry and will be able to get people to come in to get the care that they
Many low income areas have dental therapists as part of their local dental team. Many people in these areas have never been to a dentist or do not go every six months as recommended this poses many other health problems. There has been case studies and data showing that in these areas dental health
In the course of my time volunteering at the UCSD Student-Run Free Dental Clinics, I came to understand how poverty, language barriers, and a lack of knowledge about the importance of dental care can lead to readily preventable and treatable dental problems. These dental problems can lead to a cascade of issues, preventing an individual’s progress. As a clinic volunteer inside the school’s dental clinic, I noticed young students, with poor dental care, have constant pain that affected their studies and attitude. I recall a Hispanic young boy telling me he was sharing a toothbrush with his family. I hand over multiple toothbrushes and, using Spanish cards, educate him on oral hygiene. With each treatment visit, he was eager to tell the dentist
In Dr. Parson’s presentation, I learned that there are still many seniors with out dental insurance. This is sad because the population by 2030 is going to double and more will eventually need treatment done by a dentist. According to her presentation oral care is not a concern to the nursing home staff. Some families show up to brush their family members teeth. With the limited financial resources for dental care these patients have it is one of their barriers to getting treatment done if needed or even cleaning. Therefore, we as dental hygienist can help make a difference by going out to the community and offering dental care education to the nursing staff because they must first know how to take care of their oral health before taking care
Oral health care is an integral part of the US healthcare system. In 2012, Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced “The Comprehensive Dental Reform Act”, which aimed on expanding dental coverage, accessible oral health care centers, increase in dental workforce, enhanced dental education and encourage dental research. (Congress.gov). The ACA, aim to curb the national health spending, by facilitating the affordability to quality care through private and public health insurance. The purpose of this bill is to cut the healthcare costs and to reverse the “silent epidemic” of dental health status (surgeon gen). This dental bill with an integrated approach towards the preventive and comprehensive oral healthcare is estimated to provide coverage to almost 17.7 million adults. (ADA
Oral health has a direct impact on the general health, hence, it is important that all Canadians have adequate access to dental care services. Over the years successive Governments have reduced financial support to programs delivering dental care to most vulnerable populations. As a result, many low income families and other vulnerable groups have been unable to access dental care. There is further escalation in the disparities in oral health care among Canadians, as the number of Canadians losing dental care benefits continues to increase. Also, higher oral health care costs can be expected in the near future due to shortage of health care professionals.
Research studies have indicated that the elderly Hispanic-American population residing along the Texas-Mexico border has minimal access to healthcare as well as inadequate use of preventive and screening services. The elderly population in El Paso, Texas is speculated to increase by 21.8% between 2014 to 2019 for the age group between 70 to 74 and 11.7% for the age group between 75 to 79. Unfortunately, many oral healthcare professionals are avoiding geriatric certification as a result of the low fees associated with Medicare and Medicaid and the bothersome paperwork that is often affiliated with the elderly, low-income, and minority patient. Based upon the Healthy People 2020 objectives for issues that are applicable to older adults; the objective to be addressed within this review report is the objective of increasing the proportion of dentists with geriatric certification. The specific research question to be addressed is “What are various factors that might be inhibiting dentists from attaining their geriatric certification and what are some strategies to overcome these obstacles and further facilitate this objective?” While the main priority should be to advocate for further health promotion of oral care in the elderly population and increasing the numbers of elderly adults that are able to understand the health benefits of oral care; various factors among the dentistry profession and elderly population must also be addressed. These factors might include ethnic
Also, I will come up with a plan to diverse the dental workplace. First, I will create a brochure in order to convince the dentists why it is important to hire more minority health care providers. My brochure will include the hardships that patients and workers have experienced while trying to get treatment or a job in dentistry. For example, one my friends had a difficult time finding a job as a dental assistant after graduation the dental assistant program because there’s not a lot African-American dental assistant in Arkansas. This brochure will be an eye opener for many dentists making them more aware and understanding to their patients and employees hardships and needs. Also, it will lead them to step out their comfort zone and hire more people outside their race. However, this will make the patients more comfortable to receive dental care because they will see more people that look like them. In addition, having a diverse team in dentistry will have a positive outlook on the
Health care is one of the most controversial and discussed topics in the United States. This is mainly because of the enormous issues that surround this subject matter, such as the goal of creating a greater diversity in the medical professions, the goal to reduce health care disparities, and mainly to improve health care for all. In my personal experience this issues have affected me and my family very closely. As immigrants, I saw my parents struggle with the language, adapting to a new culture and even seeking healthcare. Health care disparities is an imminent issue that affects many of us, including me. On top of the financial struggle my parents faced as immigrants, they also faced the barrier of not being understood. I witnessed how my
The authors have properly addressed the health disparities in this article. They started the article by telling the audience why Hispanic faces health disparities the most. First, due to the language barrier they have insufficient knowledge of oral health. Most the people who participated in this study were immigrants, Spanish. Only 2/3 of the people spoke and understood little to no English. Second, because of the poverty they have can’t afford dental health and avoid going to see the dentist. ¾ of the parents received an income of $2,000 or under per month. Third, many of the families did not have any type of dental insurance.
It appears to backs this notion by the lack of unified healthcare, fewer fee based dental clinics versus health clinics, lack of supportive legislation and fewer people with dental coverage versus healthcare coverage (Fingar, et al., 2015). Much to my dismay, dental care is a major health disparity. Three quarters of my career has been spent in the emergency department (ED). During these years, we continue to see patients with dental issues. Admittedly, their main reason for seeking care from the ED is that they lack dental insurance. Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), these patients cannot be turned away from the ED due to their lack of ability to pay. Daily we treat patients with mouth pain related to dental caries, mouth abscesses and fractured teeth. Patients have told me that they are saving to have the tooth pull which can cost at least $100. I have had several crowns placed in my mouth and I can attest that this procedure costs approximately $500 with decent insurance and triple this amount without insurance. The general reason for my concern, is that, dental infections can lead to other serious health problems such has respiratory infections, heart value disease or brain abscesses (Li, Kolltveit, Tronstad, & Olsen, 2000). I witnessed my 32 year old female patient die after surgery for removal of an infected brain abscess. The day prior, she confessed that it was related to dental
People of ethnic minorities and those who are economically disadvantaged often have trouble finding medical help that is affordable for their families. For many years I have wanted to work with underrepresented and disadvantaged populations. Although I may not be a traditional ethnic minority, I do have a very good understand of the struggles that come from being poor, and how hard it can be to pay even simple medical bills. I understand that there is an epidemic of health disparities in America, and I want to help end it. The reasons I want to work with underrepresented and disadvantaged populations is because of personal experiences, because I want to help end health disparities in America, and because helping minorities is very rewarding
Belonging to a community is one of the greatest achievements an individual can look forward to. In a scholar community, there is always a way to contribute and be involved within the community itself.
Lack of access to dental health services and providers also affects utilization rates within the adult Medicaid population (Licata & Paradise, 2012; Davis., Deinard &, Maïga, 2010; MacDougall, 2016; Hinton & Paradise 2016; PEW Center on the States, 2012). Licata & Paradise (2012), stated “More than 1 in 5 low-income adults reported that they had not had a dental visit in five years or more, or had never had a visit.” Low-income patients often have access barriers including lack of transportation, gaps in health literacy, and limited work flexibility (Licata & Paradise, 2012). In the case of oral health, a shortage of dental care providers places another barrier on patients. According to PEW Center on States, “Roughly 47 million Americans live in areas that are federally designated as having a shortage of dentists.” This shortage mainly affects those who are low income or possess special needs (Hinton & Paradise, 2016). Most Medicaid patients do not have the means to travel long distances for appointments. Further, less than half of dental providers in the United States accept public funded insurance due to poor reimbursement (MacDougall, 2016). For Medicaid patients, dental care is simply to difficult