Monday, July 24, 2006
No one disputes that the typically Native residents in Alaska's distant villages suffer abysmal dental health and do not have entrée to proper dental care. On that point, Native advocates and dental professionals agree.
There are only four ways to fill this significant gap in Alaska health care:
1. Fly patients to cities with full dentistry services when they require care.
2. Hire dentists who would live in or travel to rural Alaska to deliver care in remote villages.
3. Recruit volunteer dentists to travel to remote villages.
4. Or train dental health aides who will live in rural Alaska and do common, routine types of dental procedures.
Alaska has tried the first three steps, and none has provided the consistent, effective, reasonable-cost care needed in villages. As a result, Native health organizations are trying to expand a inclusive dental health aide program that can provide villagers with check-ups, cleanings, fillings and extractions.
There are only four ways to fill this significant gap in Alaska health care:
1. Fly patients to cities with full dentistry services when they require care.
2. Hire dentists who would live in or travel to rural Alaska to deliver care in remote villages.
3. Recruit volunteer dentists to travel to remote villages.
4. Or train dental health aides who will live in rural Alaska and do common, routine types of dental procedures.
Alaska has tried the first three steps, and none has provided the consistent, effective, reasonable-cost care needed in villages. As a result, Native health organizations are trying to expand a inclusive dental health aide program that can provide villagers with check-ups, cleanings, fillings and extractions.
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