Vermonters have a lot to smile about.  According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, Vermont ranks first in kids with no dental health problems. And, we’re the second healthiest state in the U.S., according to the United Health Foundation. We’re healthy and happy – and that’s something to be proud of.

But, we can do even more to improve Vermonters’ dental health. Read the full Action for Dental Health below.

Vermonters have a lot to smile about.  According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, Vermont ranks first in kids with no dental health problems. And, we’re the second healthiest state in the U.S., according to the United Health Foundation. We’re healthy and happy – and that’s something to be proud of.

But, we can do even more to improve Vermonters’ dental health.

Across the nation, nearly one in four children under age five already has cavities, according to the CDC. Nearly half of adults over age 30 suffer from some form of gum disease. Research has shown possible associations between gum disease and other health conditions like heart disease, stroke, premature births and low birth weight, and proven links between gum disease and diabetes.

That’s why Vermont’s community dentists are committed to expanding our system of care to ensure Vermonters are receiving the oral health services they need, when they need them and at a cost they can afford.

Through the Vermont Action for Dental Health plan our focus is on promoting education and prevention, as well as expanding dental care in underserved communities, schools, nursing homes and federally qualified health centers. 

Our approach recognizes and addresses the social, cultural and economic barriers Vermonters may face when seeking dental care. This set of solutions includes only programs and policies that have measurable and proven results.

For example, a key solution for underserved communities is the expansion of the community dental health coordinator (CDHC) program. A recent pilot program in Vermont showed CDHCs could increase the number of low-income patients receiving care by 20 percent by linking underserved communities with dental care.  The other initiatives included in Vermont Action for Dental Health are similarly designed – with proven methods at their core.