The Wisconsin Dental Association today released the following statement from WDA President Dr. Paula Crum, a practicing periodontist in Green Bay, regarding the oral health initiatives included in Gov. Tony Evers’ state budget proposal:
“The Wisconsin Dental Association and its 3,100 members throughout the Badger State want to thank Gov. Evers for including a variety of oral health provisions aimed at increasing access to care for our state’s most vulnerable populations. The majority of oral health stakeholders acknowledge it will take a multipronged approach, including fiscal investments, to fill the needs of our state.”
“We know the budget process can be a long and often unpredictable path; however, last night’s announcement was a good first step toward addressing access to care issues facing our state. Wisconsin’s Medicaid rates for oral health remain at a national low. With only a 2% increase in two decades, it is time for this to be addressed. Oral health is worth more than just over 1% of our state’s Medicaid resources.”
“We look forward to working with our oral health partners in the state legislature over the next few months as a part of the budget process.
