Many Tennesseans don't like their smiles, but poor dental health can cause health problems
A healthy smile is more than just a sign of good oral hygiene, it's a cornerstone of overall health, well-being, and self-confidence. It influences our personal interactions, professional success, and quality of life.
According to research by the American Dental Association, 45% of low-income adults say they avoid smiling, and 68% of them sometimes find life, in general, less satisfying due to the condition of their mouths and teeth.
Yet for many Tennesseans, and especially those in rural and underserved communities, achieving and maintaining a healthy smile is a challenge due to a lack of quality, accessible care.
Accessible dental care is not merely a matter of comfort or aesthetics; it is a critical component of overall health. Nearly half of adults aged 30 or older exhibit signs of gum disease, which has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. The prevalence of gum disease underscores the urgent need to improve access to dental care for all Tennesseans.
More: Why Meharry Medical College's new School of Global Health will improve people's lives
Partnerships with dental schools serve Tennessee well
Two years ago, the state of Tennessee made a tremendous commitment to helping address this issue through the Healthy Smiles Initiative, a five-year, $94 million pilot program that aims to increase access to oral health care for all Tennesseans by increasing the number of dentists practicing in the state.
While our shortage of dentists is a complicated problem that we’re not going to solve quickly – or through any one single change – the Healthy Smiles Initiative takes several big steps forward, including by increasing class sizes at the state’s two dental schools – University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Meharry Medical College, developing a student loan repayment program, and creating new clinics in strategic locations across the state.
I recently had the chance to visit one of those clinics, in Kingsport, which is set to open in July. The clinic, a partnership between East Tennessee State University, Ballad Health, UTHSC, and the city of Kingsport, is a great example of how a community can come together to make this a priority.
Business leaders like Eastman Chemical have provided critical support, Delta Dental of Tennessee’s Smile180 Foundation provided $500,000 for equipment, and Kingsport’s mayor, Pat Shull, has said it’s one of the most important things happening in the city. The enthusiasm and support for the clinic is incredibly inspiring, and something that I hope other communities can learn from and will seek to replicate.
More: As Meharry Medical dental students, we advocate for alcohol and oral cancer awareness
Oral Health Smile Power Week amplified the need for dental care
The Healthy Smiles Initiative also strengthens the oral health safety net in Tennessee, which we are thrilled to celebrate now and always.
Gov. Bill Lee, in conjunction with the Tennessee Charitable Care Network, recently recognized Oral Health Smile Power Week as a way to recognize and support the incredible work of charitable dental clinics across the state that play an essential role in improving the health of their communities.
These clinics play a big role in administering two safety net initiatives that have received a funding boost through the Healthy Smiles Initiative: a program that provides dentures and partials to eligible working age adults, and an oral health education and outreach program aimed at older Tennesseans.
Improving access to dental care is imperative for the health and wellbeing of Tennesseans. At Delta Dental of Tennessee, we are committed to doing our part to help break down barriers to dental care and ensuring that every Tennessean has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a healthy smile.
Jeff Ballard is the president and CEO of Delta Dental of Tennessee.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Dental care in Tennessee leads to better health and better smiles
