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Dear Sarah,
Welcome to Word of Mouth, the newsletter for all who care about improving the oral health of Maine's people. To ensure that you continue to receive emails from us, add mdac@mcd.org your address book today. |
National Smile Month, May 18-June 17
Oral Health America and the British Health Foundation have teamed up on a campaign to raise awareness of the systemic links between oral health and overall health. The campaign will focus on the link between gum disease and serious general health conditions like heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and low birth weight babies. They have put together a catalogue on ways that dental practices, schools, colleges workplaces and community centers can participate. To find out how to participate go to www.nationalsmilemonth.org. |
Legislative News 
Three bills related to oral health passed during the last session.
LD 2277 An Act Regarding the Sunrise Review of Oral Health Care Issues, enacted as Public Law, Ch. 620 Title 32 Professions and Occupations.
This law creates a new license category of Independent Practice Dental Hygienist and authorizes an independent practice dental hygienist to perform specified procedures without supervision by a dentist. It also requires an independent practice dental hygienist to provide a patient with a referral plan to a dentist for any necessary dental care.
LD 2192 An Act To Increase Access to Dental Care, enacted as PL Chapter 690,Title 36, Taxation. This creates an income tax credit of up to $15,000 beginning in 2009 for up to 5 new dentists in 2009 and 5 additional dentists in 2010 who agree to practice in underserved areas of the State for at least 5 years and requires DHHS (through the Oral Health Program) to certify eligibility and to report on the effectiveness of the tax incentive in 2011. This bill sunsets in 2015 when the 5 years ends for those initiating the benefit in 2010.
LD 1984 An Act To Provide a State Income Tax Deduction to Dentists for Military Pensions, enacted as Public Law, Chapter 689, Title 36, Taxation. This provides a tax deduction to dentists with military pension benefits for dentists who practice for an average of at least 20 hours per week during the tax year and who accept patients who receive benefits under the MaineCare program.
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Governor's Task Force on Oral Health
To keep up with the proceedings of the Governor's Task Force on Oral Health, and get copies of the materials distributed at those meetings, go to the website of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.
The next Task Force meeting is May 29th at the DPFR office, 122 Northern Ave., in Gardiner. The agenda will include a review of the definition of access, reports from a variety of Task Force members, and prioritizing issues.
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Next MDAC Meeting June 13
Save the Date!
For more information 622-7566 x218 |
| Auburn Dental Clinic Closes
Maine lost a public health dental clinic this month with the closure of the the Western Maine Children's Dental Clinic in Auburn. Inadequate reimbursement of MaineCare was one of the primary reasons the clinic couldn't make it financially. To watch a video clip from NECN on the closing go here. |
Fluoride Varnish Reimbursement for Physicians Coming
MaineCare expects to begin allowing physicians to bill for fluoride varnish application this August. Maine will join at least 17 other states in allowing this change. Fluoride varnish is an effective prevention intervention for very young children, many of whom don't see a dentist until they are older and decay has already begun.
Integrating fluoride varnish into the medical practice has been the focus of From the First Tooth, a project of the Sadie and Harry Davis Foundation, and the change in reimbursement gives a boost to this effort. The Maine Smiles Matter curriculum of the Kids Oral Health Partnership also introduces fluoride varnish application for non dental providers. |
Kids Oral Health Partnership Pilots Training.
 KOHP will pilot the revised Maine Smiles Matter curriculum in a variety of settings beginning in June. If your organization is interested in receiving training, contact bvaughan@mcd.org. |
| Become a Word of Mouth Contributor
If your organization has an event or an accomplishment you would like to share please send it on. If there are oral health issues and policies you would like to to see addressed in this forum, let us know. | |
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| The mission of the Maine Dental Access Coalition is to advocate for and improve access to quality preventative and comprehensive oral health care for all Maine residents. |
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