Addressing The Opioid Epidemic Requires “New And Innovative Solutions.”

In an opinion piece for The Hill’s “Pundits Blog,” Jason Friesen, founder of Trek Medics International, and Jeff Schlegelmilch, a senior adviser at the nonprofit organization, discuss the opioid epidemic, stating that with the rising number of drug overdose deaths, “new and innovative solutions” are needed “to combat it from all angles.” Friesen and Schlegelmilch state that utilizing “life-saving treatments” such as naloxone, is necessary to defeat the epidemic. The authors describe efforts at the national level to address the opioid epidemic, such as the 21st Century Cures Act and the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, adding that although healthcare reform brings uncertainty, it also presents “an opportunity for states to approach the opioid epidemic with the full ingenuity our nation has to offer.”

Learn More about Preventing and Treating Dental Cavities

CAMBRA, which stands for CAries Management By Risk Assessment, is a system that dentists use to evaluate and treat patients with signs of dental caries, or tooth decay. CAMBRA was developed using scientifically-proven data (evidence-based medicine) on the evaluation and treatment of patients with dental caries. The CAMBRA method looks at all aspects of the processes that lead to the development of dental caries, and is an extremely effective way of treating the problem of tooth decay.

CAMBRA takes into account all of the different factors that affect an individual's caries risk, including:

• Current oral health status
• Diet
• Oral anatomy
• Oral health habits

The MyCAMBRA Self-Assessment App
As an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF, Dr. Kinsel has developed an iPad app that helps patients follow their own CAMBRA treatment progress. The app quickly identifies decay risks (moderate, high, extreme) with each patient’s specific treatment recommendations. Each patient receives individualized information on their oral health, and what they can do at home to stay on track. MyCAMBRA is available for dentists at the

Op-Ed: Dental Care Must Be Included As An Essential Benefit For Adults

In an opinion piece in the Washington Post, Dr. Donald L. Chi, a pediatric dentist and associate professor at the University of Washington School of Dentistry, states that in order to help ensure “everyone has a chance at good oral health,” dental care must be “recognized as an essential benefit.” Dr. Chi states that this would involve “including comprehensive dental coverage in Medicaid and the ACA as well as in Medicare (where it is excluded).” Doing so would help undeserved adults receive needed dental care, and although this would require funding, it would “also be an investment” since “fewer emergency room visits would result in cost savings,” writes Dr. Chi. In addition, Dr. Chi says adults with good oral health would experience “less suffering” and would be more apt to find employment “without the fear of appearance-related discrimination.”

Medicare Advantage Plans Often Include Dental Coverage

The Motley Fool includes dental care among its list of “surprising things Medicare doesn’t cover.” While “Medicare does not cover routine visits to the dentist, nor will it pay for common treatments like root canals or fillings,” the article notes many Medicare Advantage plans do offer dental coverage. The article recommends people “shop carefully for coverage, paying attention to premiums, the type of dental benefits provided, and the network of covered providers.”

Receiving Preventive Care Among Tips To Stay Healthy And Live Longer

        In an article and broadcast on its website, shares tips on how to stay healthy and live longer, while avoiding hip fractures. The tips include standing on one leg at a time while brushing teeth for two minutes to help with balance, along with incorporating jumping into exercise routines, receiving enough calcium and vitamin D3 each day, and managing stress. TODAY also emphasizes the importance of preventive care, including dental visits, to maintain health and avoid higher health costs in the future.

        MouthHealthy.org provides oral health information by life stages, including for adults between 40 and 60 and adults over 60.