Free dental care

The Highlands County Health Department (HCHD) would like to respond to a letter written to the editor on Oct. 29 about "free dental care."

The article printed in last Monday's Highlands Today did say that the service is free; unfortunately, that information was wrong and was corrected in the Oct. 28 edition.

The dental services provided by HCHD for pregnant women over age 21 are not free. Medicaid does not cover this service.

The fees are based on a sliding scale depending on one's income, ranging from 0 to 100 percent of the fee schedule.

The patient must be referred by her OB-GYN and then has to register to determine if she is eligible for a discounted fee.

HCHD is dedicated to "promote, protect and improve the health of all people in Highlands County." At present on an every day basis, we see only children under age 21. We have two programs in their infancy which will include adult patients.

Caring for pregnant women by making their mouths healthier and educating them in dental care, will ultimately keep them and their children on a path toward overall well-being.

We have multiple programs that address risky behaviors and teach teens and young adults how to live responsibly.

On the other hand, it would not be fair to state that just because a woman is pregnant means she has done something wrong.

Yes, dental care is expensive and nearly out of reach for a number of people. We at HCHD do our best to come to the aid of our most vulnerable citizens.

Kathleen Border
Certified dental assistant
Highlands County Health Department
Sebring