Growing up in a community where dental care is easily accessible, I have always valued the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. For my family and me, routine dental check-ups ensure a bright smile and support our overall health and confidence. Unfortunately, not all Ohioans share these privileges.

In many rural counties, such as Adams, Scioto, and Vinton, as well as underserved urban neighborhoods in Cleveland and Cincinnati, low-income families face severe challenges accessing affordable dental care. The scarcity of nearby dental services, combined with high costs, means many people skip necessary dental treatments. This leads to untreated cavities, infections, and gum disease, which not only cause pain and difficulty eating but can also lead to more serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes.

When dental infections spread, they can enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs, making overall health worse. Poor oral health can also cause people to miss school or work due to pain or infections, impacting education and economic stability.

Numerous studies, including those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), confirm the strong connection between oral health and overall well-being. This highlights the urgent need to make dental care more accessible and affordable for all Ohioans.

We call on Ohio’s leaders to take immediate action by:

• Providing funding to implement free dental screenings and preventive programs in public schools, especially in rural counties and underserved urban neighborhoods.
• Supporting and expanding mobile dental clinics to reach communities without nearby dental providers.
• Expanding Ohio Medicaid adult dental coverage to include comprehensive preventive and restorative care.
• Partnering with local dental schools, clinics, and nonprofits to increase affordable dental care access statewide.

This petition is about more than just teeth—it’s about improving overall health, boosting school attendance, and enhancing the quality of life for thousands of Ohio families currently left behind. By investing in dental health, we invest in the future of our communities.                                          

Thank you for your attention and support.