April 12, 2023: Oral Health Equity for People with Disabilities Day

WHEREAS, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, about 28 percent of Michiganders have disabilities and many people with disabilities cite dental care as their number one unmet health care need; and,

WHEREAS, oral health is an integral part of overall health, and poor oral health can lead to an increased risk and prevalence of chronic disease and pain, inability to speak or eat nutritious foods, increased susceptibility to oral trauma and injury, and diminished quality of life and mental health; and,

WHEREAS, lack of access to dental services and oral health care for people of color with disabilities often leads to less than optimal overall health; and,

WHEREAS, barriers to accessing oral health care have led to much higher rates of dental disease for people with disabilities compared to the general population; and,

WHEREAS, the difficulty or inability to express needs about dental pain has gone unrecognized, misunderstood, or dismissed and has led to ineffective care or denial of care,

WHEREAS, greater awareness of the importance of addressing oral health inequities promotes prompt action from policymakers and community leaders to improve health and equity; and,

WHEREAS, addressing oral health inequities also requires improved education and training among oral health providers about the importance of providing accessible and culturally competent care for people with disabilities; and,

WHEREAS, on this day and throughout the year, we recommit ourselves to the belief that everyone deserves a healthy smile;