The EngAGING NH Board of Directors supports Senate Bill 193, creating a new tier of dental professional, directly supervised by dentists, who could assist by performing certain tasks such as simple fillings. There are many barriers to dental care access for older residents, especially those on fixed incomes, with high medical expenses or who lack transportation. That dental problems impact overall health is undisputed. The impact can be either direct, such as infection moving into the whole system, or indirect, such as weight loss when mouth pain or ill-fitting dentures lead to chewing problems, resulting in poor nutrition and a compromised immune system. Of particular concern for older adults is the significant use of prescription drugs that have dry mouth as a side effect, a condition contributing to dental issues if routine care is not in place.

Neither Medicare nor New Hampshire Medicaid pays for preventive dental services. Nursing home residents may receive dental services as part of routine care, if there is an available dentist. Daily hygiene and attention to developing conditions may not get the attention needed in nursing homes, given all the staffing tasks. It is not a question of good intention or dedication; it is a question of sufficient infrastructure.

Please contact your state legislators and encourage support to address this important issue.

EngAGING NH is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization supporting and promoting activities, policies, planning and values that respect and include ALL aging adults. www.engagingnh.org.

Barbara Salvatore, Carol Currier

Co-chairs, board of directors

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