May 25, 2000-West Virginia Community Voices is beginning its first efforts to increase dental parity in their area.  This effort compliments the U.S. Surgeon General's report released today stating that lack of access to oral health care is a nationwide problem. 

Working through Community Voices, a W.K. Kellogg Foundation initiative, West Virginia will implement programs to improve access to dental care for local residents.  A statewide Dental Task Force has been established consisting of the State Dental Association, the WVU Dental School, the Bureau for Public Health, and others.  The task force has already begun expressing its concerns about the lack of oral health care to the Commissioner of Public Health.

The task force has received a generous grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation to begin work on its oral health project.  In addition, they have contracted with Dr. Rilla Murray to provide staff support to the Dental Task Force.

"We are working hard to set an example for other health centers nationwide by developing strategies for increasing oral health access for children," said Dr. Richard Meckstrauth, the West Virginia Dental Task Force's chairman.   "The report by the Surgeon General will help put some teeth into our local effort."

According to Dr. Meckstrauth, accessible dental care is a universal goal among Community Voices programs nationwide.

West Virginia Community Voices is actively trying to establish a model program addressing oral health for all local residents.  The Dental Task Force is looking at the state's oral health problems and needs.  Following their initial assessment of the problem, policies will be formulated, in collaboration with local government officials, to address and improve the situation.