• 7/17/2004
  • Washington, D.C.
  • The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies

Many Black men do not realize the devastating impact that poor oral health can have on their overall lives and livelihood. Unfortunately, African American men suffer the highest incidence of oral cancer and have the lowest survival rate of any group. More than 50 percent of African American men also have untreated dental problems. The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies’ Health Policy Institute released a new report on this problem recently at a briefing at the National Press Club. The report, “Visible Differences: Improving the Oral Health of African American Males,” also recommends several policy options for federal and state governments, dental schools and private companies.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard H. Carmona, who last year led the national call for improved oral health, delivered the opening remarks.
As noted in the earlier Surgeon General’s 2003 report, “National Call To Action to Promote Oral Health,” oral disease affects health and well-being throughout life. “Poor oral health has severe consequences not only for a person’s general health, but frequently their economic well-being,” said Eddie N. Williams, president of the Joint Center. “In this society, your appearance and ability to communicate matter greatly in getting and keeping a job. Oral disease and untreated dental problems rob you of both.” According to the report, dental coverage through employers is available to roughly 60 percent of full-time employees at large or medium–sized firms. However, many African American men are not covered because they work at small firms that do not offer it, and also because of their relatively high rate of unemployment and under-employment.

“Without adequate coverage, many African American men cannot afford even routine dental care,” said Dr. Gail C. Christopher, director of the Health Policy Institute. “We believe that the policy alternatives laid out in this report will give them, as well as other Americans, improved access to affordable dental services.” The policy recommendations related in “Visible Differences” include the following:

-Develop federal, state and local standards for access to dental care for priority populations.
-Provide flexible loan repayment strategies for dental providers in communities of color or areas short of dental health professionals.
-Apply the “community benefit” strategy to dental schools receiving federal and state funds to ensure that they provide care to their surrounding communities.
-Include oral health referral services in discharge reentry plans for correctional facilities.
-Require commercial insurers and Medicaid to include “annual dental visit” as part of health plan measures.

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, conducts research and analyses on public policy issues of concern to African Americans and other minorities, promotes their involvement in the governance process, and operates programs that create coalitions within minority, business and other diverse communities.