ORAL HEALTHCARE 

Oral health is a vital part of overall health throughout the life cycle. Most people know that regular medical and dental check-ups are important. Yet many people cannot afford routine dental care because of fixed incomes or limited access to care. Poor oral health impacts overall health and increases the risk for chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. Other challenges may include problems chewing, pain, limiting food choices and low self-esteem due to an unattractive physical appearance.

Healthy teeth are important to a child's overall health. From the time a child is born, there are things that can be done to promote healthy teeth and prevent cavities.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one quarter of adults over the age of 65 have lost all of their teeth. Major barriers for the elderly obtaining proper dental services include lack of access to dental care and high costs.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) are uniquely positioned to increase access to oral health services in the communities experiencing acute access problems. Dental care is part of the comprehensive services available at many of the FQHCs in New Jersey. The following list of Community Health Centers provide dental and oral health services:

For further information contact Stephanie Gee, Quality & Integration Improvement Specialist, at New Jersey Primary Care Association, 609-689-9930 ext.17 or email sgee@njpca.org.