Fight For Saving 46 Free Dental Clinics
June 19th, 2009
There maybe the end of free dental services provided by 46 free dental clinics, which serves about 17,000 children. This free dental services program served by clinics located within public schools provided free dental services to kids stated to be closed because of hard times.
Advocates have been fighting to save free dental services for kids, otherwise lack of dental services may become a great problem for kid’s health. Program offered free dental services ranging from tooth cleanings to root canals.
But there is still hope the free dental services program will be saved.
“It’s just devastating,” said Dr. Charlotte Kooistra, a dentist who has worked in the clinics for 23 years, including the one at Public School 171 in Long Island City. “A lot of us see children who have never been to a dentist.”
Reports says closing free dental clinics may save about $2.5 million. NY City officials argued families can get dental care through Medicaid.
Several dental providers have expressed interest in taking over practices at 35 of the sites and offering free dental services, said Health Department.
Thought many dentists fear that, without the school-based free dental clinics, poor immigrants and working parents are unlikely to take their kids out of school for dental appointments, and skipped check-ups will mean trips to the emergency room.
“It’s an increased health risk for these children,” said Dr. Steven Feinstein, who worked at PS 3 in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.
The city sources inform the free care program will be returned after several years with replacing full-service dental clinics with mobile dental units that provide only preventative services.
The program’s 34 full- and part-time dentists have already received notice that they’ll be laid off Sept. 12. The Health Department also began shuttering school-based clinics in May, including one at PS 24 in Chinatown, where dentists had operated a seven-week summer session.
“It’s extremely important,” said Jackson, who is studying criminal justice and whose husband is a private school maintenance worker. “When you have parents who are working, who are in school, they need this.”
Source: NY Daily News
Categories: Dental News
The children need the service but do the politicians care. City Council’s own budget was not cut! These kids will be in pain and at risk for life threatening diseases. A child in Maryland died from untreated cavities. Contact Mayor Bloomberg and City Council and tell them to do the right thing save the program!