Straight Teeth and Crooked Policies: Why Dental Care Matters for Anti-Poverty Efforts
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Author
Doto, Chloe V.
Subject
Washington and Lee University, Shepherd Poverty Program
Dental health education
Capabilities approach (Social sciences)
Dental public health
Equality -- Economic aspects
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Chloe Doto is a member of the Class of 2016 of Washington and Lee University. Capstone; [FULL-TEXT FREELY AVAILABLE ONLINE] Oral health is largely treated as a luxury in the United States. This sentiment is echoed by our nation's current health care legislature, and evident by growing dental disparities despite advanced technology and increased Medicaid eligibility. I argue that dental care is, 1) an important determinant of overall health, 2) imperative for psychological well-being and, 3) a predictor of economic success. Furthermore, due to the widespread impact of dental care, society has a moral obligation to make dental care accessible to low-income individuals. As I conclude, I specify that due to the relative effectiveness of child health initiatives in recent years, attention and effort ought to focus specifically on improvements in adult dental health access.