Opinion: Removing roadblocks for dental care in Indian Country

Thursday, August 18, 2011  

"Recent postings at Indian Country Today Media Network have highlighted roadblocks that stand in the way of many Native Americans receiving quality oral health care. It is apparent that there is a need for better education about oral health, tribal outreach and the coordination and facilitation of care in many communities.

However, these articles focused on a single proposal that has not been widely implemented or tested across tribal communities. We have learned that challenges and needs differ from reservation to reservation. It’s important to focus available resources on creating custom solutions that address specific tribal community needs.

We need a systematic approach in order to address access issues effectively. This includes identifying the most underserved populations within each reservation, conducting research to understand specific barriers to care, defining goals and measures for success, and using these findings to identify potential new solutions and ways to enhance efficiency. This is best done in collaboration with several partners and stakeholders who are committed to the community, and who can work together and pool their expertise and resources to enhance community members’ oral health."

Get the Story:
Kevin Earle: Oral Health for All of Indian Country (Indian Country Today 8/17)