Governor announces plans to expand dental access for Wisconsin kids and families

MILWAUKEE - Governor Jim Doyle today unveiled a new plan to provide all children in Wisconsin with access to comprehensive dental care. The Governor's plan will address the shortage of providers that offer care, dedicate more than $4 million to growing successful programs targeting underserved kids and families, and invest $8.8 million to create a new statewide system that will expand access to dental care for children and families across Wisconsin.

"There are children across our state who can't sleep at night, who can't concentrate in school because their teeth hurt and we must get them the care they need," Governor Doyle said. "My plan will enact a fundamental change to the status quo, which has not done justice to our kids or our families. At a time when the majority of dentists have declined to serve kids that are enrolled in Medicaid, we need a new system that provides these kids with a way to get the care they need. By allowing more providers to offer care, expanding successful dental programs, and creating a new statewide program to provide dental care, we will ensure that every child in Wisconsin has access to comprehensive dental coverage."

Governor Doyle made his announcement at Madre Angela Clinic in Milwaukee, which provides dental services to 5,000 adults and children each year through walk-ins and appointments. Madre Angela also provides urgent dental care in Milwaukee for people without insurance. In addition, the clinic provides restorative care, dental appliances, dental hygiene services and a childrens dental sealant program.

Dental decay is the number one chronic disease of childhood, particularly among low-income children who often do not have access to a dentist. In fact, 70 percent of children who are eligible for dental care are not getting the services they are eligible for because they can not find dentists who are willing to see them.

Many low-income families, seniors and people with disabilities struggle to find oral health care services, even if they are on Medicaid, BadgerCare, or Healthy Start because there is not a dentist in their area who will accept them. Wisconsin currently provides comprehensive dental coverage for approximately 500,000 children and adults enrolled in Medicaid, BadgerCare, and Healthy Start, but 75 percent of these individuals do not have access to a dental care provider.

Contact a local dentist to learn more about how to maintain your oral heath!