Editorial: Dental Care Should Not Come From The Emergency Room.

In an editorial, the Bangor (ME) Daily News states that “dental problems are a top reason for emergency department visits among poor residents in Maine,” adding that the emergency department is not only the “wrong place” to receive such care, but also more expensive than preventive dental care. The Daily News supports a bill that would “take a modest step to address this by providing preventative dental care through MaineCare to pregnant women,” stating that the bill would help promote oral health during pregnancy. The Daily News concludes that although “there’s a strong case for extending dental coverage to all adult MaineCare recipients,” this bill represents a positive “modest step.”

        The ADA Health Policy Institute also published a research brief finding the number of patients seeking dental care from emergency departments is continuing to rise.

        Meanwhile, MouthHealthy.org provides additional information on dental health during pregnancy.