Dental Health

Dental disease is the most common chronic disease and unmet health care need of children in California and nationally. In fact, nearly a quarter of California’s children, ages 0-11, have never been to a dentist. To illustrate the dental access problem in California, TCP is releasing a series of stories from families who have faced challenges accessing dental care for their children. These stories highlight how the lack of routine dental care results unnecessary pain, missed school days, and visits to the emergency room.

Learn more about TCP's efforts to meet the dental care needs of California's children here. 

California Healthline 

Jenny Kattlove responds on SB 694, an innovation solution to address oral health access challenges for California's children in this week's Think Tank  of the California Healthline

Huffington Post

Senator Padilla's legislation is a forward-looking step that begins to address the state's dental workforce issues and will fulfill the promise of the Affordable Care Act by helping kids get the dental care they so rightfully deserve. It can also be a beacon to other states and give hope to the millions of children living across the United States who today get no dental care whatsoever.

Download the full article.

Jenny Kattlove | July 2012

Telehealth refers to the use of technology to provide health care at a distance. The important and increasing role of telehealth in the delivery of health care has been recognized for several decades. Although there are fewer reports on the use of telehealth to deliver oral health services, evidence is emerging that these technologies can enhance the ability of the oral health delivery system to reach vulnerable and underserved populations.

Download the report. 

California Healthline

Download article here. 

The California Assembly Health Committee voted 19-0 in support of SB 694, authorizing a study to test new workforce models with the goal of increasing access to dental care for California's children. In a press statement, Wendy Lazarus praised this leadership. "This bi-partisan vote builds upon the positive Senate action earlier this year and brings children a step closer to having something to smile about."

Dr. Bicuspid.com

The Assembly Health Committee in California has voted unanimously in support of bill SB 694, which would authorize a study to test new workforce models with the goal of increasing access to dental care for California's children. 

Download the press clip (PDF).

Los Angeles Times

"The proposed California study should look at treating children in schools, using technology to expand care and developing two- or three-year training programs for dental workers," said Jenny Kattlove, Director of Strategic Health Initiatives.

Download the full article here.  

California HealthCare Foundation Center for Health Reporting

Does California need a state dental director?

 Read the full press statement.

Sacramento Bee

New solutions needed to improve children's dental care

California Healthline

Bill Would Explore New Tier of Dental Provider for California

Santa Monica, CA – Children's advocates around California cheered the passage of critical dental health legislation by two State Senate committees this week. The legislation (SB 694) authored by Senator Alex Padilla is designed to improve the oral health of California's children. The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support.

Download the letter to Senator Ed Hernandez, Chair Senate Health Committee and the letter to Senator Curren Price, Chair Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee.

La Opinion

Download article here.

Read the full press statement  on California's decision to cut Denti-Cal reimbursement rates for children as part of a larger set of budget cuts. 

 By Jenny Kattlove | November 2011

This Brief provides an overview of the challenges faced by California's children and their families in obtaining necessary dental care and outlines a workforce innovation designed to bridge the supply gap between existing providers and California's most vulnerable children. This Brief also provides a proposal for action, laying out a practical solution to help California's state and community leaders ensure children get the dental care they need and to make real the promise of health care reform.

Download Now (PDF)

Attendance Works

Download article here.  

Jenny Kattlove, Director, Strategic Health Initiatives
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce

Jenny Kattlove, Director, Strategic Health Initiatives
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
September 09, 2011

Download Power Point Presentation

California Progress Report

Wendy Lazarus piece on Pew's "report card" on California's ability to meet the dental care needs of children.