BEVERLY HILLS—In honor of February Dental Month, Dr. Arman Dayan from Dental Arts of Beverly Hills will be conducting a “Free Emergency Dental Treatment Day” providing free cleanings and emergency dental work to those who would not be able to afford the treatment otherwise.
Preventative oral treatment is important to a person’s overall health. As stated on dentistinbeverlyhillsca.com, the effects of gum disease aren’t limited to the mouth; it can affect the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and other organs.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although tooth decay is largely preventable, it remains the most common chronic disease among 25 percent of children between the ages of 6 to 11, 59 percent of adolescents aged 12 to 19 and 28 percent of adults aged 35 to 44. A survey conducted by CDC found that 5 percent of the American adult population is missing all of their natural teeth, which, broken down, means that “one out of 20 middle-aged adults are missing all their teeth.”
The lack of affordable dental coverage has had a significant impact on the dental health of Americans. According to the CDC, “Over 40 percent of poor adults (20 years and older) have at least one untreated decayed tooth compared to 16 percent of non-poor adults.” The organization also claims oral health problems and dental visits cost the employed population more than 164 million hours of work each year. Those holding jobs at the lower-end of the workforce are reported to lose two to four times more than professionals or executives. CDC reports that “for every adult 19 years or older without medical insurance, there are three without dental insurance.”
In 2009, the low-income population received a blow when legislators and then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger approved the elimination of dental benefits (Denti-Cal) for adults using Medi-Cal in order to address state budget deficits. It has been estimated that 25 percent of Medi-Cal recipients used Denti-Cal annually. Many of those who were opposed to the cuts claim that denying Denti-Cal benefits is likely to result in more individuals going to hospitals due to dental emergencies.
In an effort to help the less fortunate, Dr. Dayan announced that his office will be conducting free emergency dental treatment in Beverly Hills periodically throughout the year. The office held a similar event earlier this month on February 3, where 20 people arrived for the free cleanings and emergency care.
When asked if there were any requirements to obtain the free dental care, a member of Dayan’s staff claimed, “There are no requirements”¦you just have to show up.”
The event will take place on February 22, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Dental Arts of Beverly Hills located at 9012 W. Olympic Blvd., Beverly Hills, Calif. 90211. For more information call 310-246-4646.
