society ” ( Birch & Anderson , 2005 ) because they are the ones who need the most assistance . The study also finds that Canada and the US are lacking children ’ s dental care programs which can impact future dental health outcomes . The article recommends to improve “ access to services , particularly among poorer groups ” by giving direct access to “ publicly funded fee-for-service systems [ that are ] commercially viable to maintain coverage ” because “ public funding alone does not guarantee access to services ” ( Birch & Anderson , 2005 ). This is because when “ providers are free to choose practice locations or can choose to provide mixed public-private care ” ( Birch & Anderson , 2005 ) the location and fees make services less accessible to rural and economically disadvantaged populations . This conclusion is backed by a US Senate report , which finds that there is “ a shortage of dental providers willing to serve those with the greatest needs ” ( Sanders , 2012 ), meaning that people who live in rural areas , are poor , or have disabilities or chronic oral illnesses will have less access to dental care .
Dental and oral health are important parts and direct indicators of a person ’ s overall health ; that is to say oral health reflects overall health . “ The mouth is the major portal of entry to the body ” so it “ can become a source of disease or pathological processes ” that affect the rest of the body ( HHS , 2000 ). There are many cancers , genetic disorders , and birth defects that can start in the mouth and negatively impact overall health . Even seemingly less severe problems like cavities or gum disease can