Oral Health Challenges in Arkansas
Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are essential components of maintaining good health. However, for many Arkansans, accessing quality dental care is far from straightforward. The state faces significant challenges in ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to receive proper oral health services.
Oral health remains a pressing issue in Arkansas, with limited access to dental services in many areas. This lack of availability creates barriers for families who need treatment but cannot easily find it. Efforts are being made to address this growing concern, especially through initiatives aimed at improving access to care for children and adults alike.
A New Initiative to Improve Oral Health
The Lyon College School of Dental Medicine recently hosted “Give Kids a Smile Day,” an event designed to provide free dental screenings and fluoride treatments to both children and adults. This was the first time the event was held at the state’s first dental school, highlighting its commitment to addressing the oral health crisis in Arkansas.
Since 2003, “Give Kids a Smile Day” has been instrumental in offering free dental care to children who might otherwise go without it. The event not only helps improve access to care but also raises awareness about the importance of early dental intervention.
Dr. Burke Soffee, founding dean of Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, emphasized the severity of the problem. “Sixty percent of Arkansas kids have received dental cavities,” he said. “Which is a shocking statistic that certainly indicates that there is a need to break the cycle.”
The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children from low-income families are twice as likely to develop cavities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these disparities were exacerbated, leading to an even greater gap in oral healthcare. Today, Arkansas ranks last in the nation for oral health care, with many counties designated as dental provider shortage areas.
Dr. Geoffrey Halversen, assistant clinical professor at Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, explained that the issue is multifaceted. “That combined with the low health IQ and low financial literacy is kind of the perfect storm for not being able to get your teeth taken care of and receive care.”
Building Trust Through Early Exposure
Events like “Give Kids a Smile Day” offer more than just medical care—they also help future dentists build relationships with patients from a young age. These interactions can foster trust and comfort, making it easier for children to feel at ease during dental visits.
“Warming them up and allowing them maybe to even let them come in and touch a couple of instruments and move really slowly,” Dr. Halversen added. This approach helps create a positive experience that can influence a child’s attitude toward dental care throughout their lifetime.
Training Dentists for the Future
One of the long-term goals of Lyon College School of Dental Medicine is to train more dentists within the state and encourage them to remain in Arkansas to provide care. “It means growing up in this state,” Dr. Halversen said. “It means training in this state. It means staying in this state to render care afterwards.”
With more than half of the state’s dentists practicing in just eight counties, officials hope that this new program will help bridge the gap in access to oral health care. By focusing on education and community engagement, the initiative aims to make a lasting impact on the overall health of Arkansans.
Recommendations for Better Oral Health
Dentists continue to emphasize the importance of daily oral hygiene practices. Brushing and flossing, especially at night, are crucial steps in preventing dental issues. Regular dental appointments every six months are also recommended to maintain good oral health.
By combining education, community outreach, and professional training, Arkansas is taking important steps toward improving the oral health of its residents. These efforts are vital in ensuring that all Arkansans have the opportunity to achieve and maintain healthy smiles.
