Last month, the Department of Health & Human Services awarded $156 million to 420 health centers around the country — including the Venice Family Clinic — to help address an overwhelming demand for affordable dental coverage. According to the department, 108 million Americans have no dental insurance and access to care can be difficult even for those who are covered.
“It’s the first time the grants are targeting oral health services,” said Martin Kramer, head of the communications office at the Health Resources and Services Administration, a part of HHS.
Dental care has become a luxury item for many middle- and low-income families, especially for adults. Cost is the primary barrier. Twenty percent of low-income adults say their mouth and teeth are in poor condition, according to the American Dental Association.
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