Seventy-five percent of American children are affected by tooth decay by age 17, and 87-93 percent of adults 20 and older are affected. The preventable consequences of oral disease—pain, costly treatment, lost work time and school absences, especially among low-income children—are the target of state oral health programs. In this Web conference, we learned how states are partnering with legislators and public and private organizations to reduce disease and avoid treatment costs. 

Speakers included:

• State Rep. Tommy Roebuck, DDS, Arkansas
  
• Dr. Scott Presson, team leader, Prevention Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  
• Dr. Lewis Lampiris, state dental director, Illinois