Cuts in dental coverage have not only spurred the use of free health clinics but also fueled visits to California emergency departments. Experts say the increases result from continued declines in the availability of dental insurance to state residents. Patients are foregoing treatment of infections and other acute problems for longer periods, sometimes resulting in emergency situations. The Los Angeles Times story quotes California dentists on the situation as well as national figures including Frederick P. Rivara. The Seattle pediatrician who chaired the committee that wrote this summer’s Institutes of Medicine report on oral health commented that it was no longer possible for dentists to solve these problems by themselves. "There is a real need to have other healthcare providers involved."
