Media Advisory
January 18, 2019
TO: Bismarck and statewide media
FROM: Emily Mallory
President
North Dakota Dental Hygienists’ Association
701-412-5881
nddhapresident@gmail.com
SUBJECT: Legislators, supporters discuss House Bill to increase access to oral health care
Currently, thousands of North Dakotans do not receive regular, routine dental care because there is not enough access to providers to serve the elderly, children, Medicare/Medicaid patients, Native Americans, or those living in poverty. In fact, more than 1 in 4 North Dakota third graders have untreated tooth decay, 68 percent of Medicaid-enrolled children did not see a dentist in 2017 (the worst in the nation), and among nursing home residents with teeth, 1 in 3 need early or urgent care. Not enough is being done to help those who need help the most.
On
Monday, Jan. 21, at 12:30 p.m., key legislators, subject matter experts, and members of the North Dakotans for Dental Access coalition (
www.nddentalaccess.com) will hold a press conference highlighting the need to increase dental access across the state. Together they will also outline HB 1426 and explain why dental therapists in healthcare settings serving the most vulnerable populations are part of a viable North Dakota solution for the problem of dental access.
The press conference will take place in
Memorial Hall at the Capitol Building.
Scheduled speakers at the press conference:
- Dr. Joanne Luger – Dentist, Bridging the Dental Gap, Bismarck
- Emily Mallory – President, North Dakota Dental Hygienists’ Association
- Sen. Judy Lee -- R-District 13, West Fargo
- Rep. Bill Devlin -- R-District 23, Finley
- Dr. Don Warne – Director, Indians into Medicine, UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences
- Sheri Solseng Trif -- Advanced Dental Therapist at Dental Associates, Minnesota
Photos/Video and interview opportunities will be available.
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