The Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) encourages Pennsylvanians to maintain oral healthcare despite the current economic downturn. The association sent out this call for state residents to refrain from cutting back their expenses on oral health hygiene as a means to save during this time of economic crisis.
According to PDA President Dr. Thomas W. Gamba, “The PDA understands how difficult it is for families and individuals to make ends meet in economic hard times, especially those facing job losses.”
“Trying to save a little money by postponing regular dental checkups could result in serious oral health problems that could cost thousands of dollars in the long run. Maintaining good oral health is the most cost-effective approach.”
The PDA has not yet determined if Pennsylvanians really avoid their dental checkups because of the current economic situation. However, a 2008 survey conducted by Gallup-Healthways showed that almost 34% of Americans failed to visit dentists for their dental checkups last year. Survey results for 2009 are anticipated to show an increase in the percentage of Americans who avoid dental visits due to the adverse effects of the current state of the economy.
Typically, dentists advise their patients to pay them a visit every six months for regular dental checkups. Patients are also reminded by their dentists to floss, brush their teeth twice a day and to properly brush their tongue and tooth surfaces.
Patients are encouraged by the PDA to contact their dentists if they worry about the cost of a dental checkup because most dental offices nowadays are offering easy payment schemes. A directory of dental clinics in Pennsylvania is also posted on the PDA’s website to help the residents of the state find low-cost and free dental care. They could also perform a dental plan dentist search to see if they could save money with affordable dental treatment.
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