Need more dentists

For as long as I can remember, I have always lived an hour away from dentists. My family has always driven us to the dentist every six months to get our check-ups. When I see my dentist, they always help and give me recommendations on how to do better, but I recently realized that many Arkansas residents don’t have access to dental care.

According to a county health rankings report, there are 2,180 people per dentist. Absolute Dental states that when someone has a lack of dental care, it can strongly hurt their chances to get hired or to keep away from serious health issues like cancer or cardiovascular disease. Looking at where dentists are located, 60 percent or more dentists are distributed within 10 Arkansas counties, according to Dr. Lindy Bollen.

Since a lack of dental care can hurt the health and job rates of people, a solution needs to be found and utilized. If Arkansas were to add a dental department to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, it would entice future dentists to come into the state and work. While the dentists are in college, the school could require the students to work rurally to gain experience, and it could have the students work rurally in Arkansas after graduation.

Since I’ve been a child, I have always been happy to know my teeth are healthy. It is why I want more dentists in Arkansas, so other people can have good oral health. For Arkansas to ever contain more dentists, action must be taken.

WILLIAM HAY

Bradford