When Joseph Merit’s teeth became infected, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth and limiting his diet to soft foods, he said most dentists wouldn’t see him because he’s on Medicaid.
Joseph Merit gets a dental checkup at Access Community Health Centers in Dodgeville, with hygienist Abby Douglas, left, and dentist Dr. Paula Duszynski. Mid-level workers called dental therapists, proposed under a bill before the state Legislature, would expand access for underserved patients, supporters say.
Dentist Paula Duszynski checks Joseph Merit's remaining teeth at a recent checkup. Merit, 72, of Lancaster, had several teeth pulled and got dentures through Access Community Health Centers in Dodgeville after some of his teeth became infected.
Dental hygienist Abby Douglas reminded Joseph Merit to brush his teeth and gums and remove his full upper denture at night. "We want to let your gums breathe," she said during Merit's recent checkup and teeth cleaning.
Joseph Merit's caregiver, Laura Murphy, helps him leave Access Community Health Centers in Dodgeville after a teeth cleaning and checkup. Merit, a former dairy farmer from Lancaster, said other dentists wouldn't see him because he's on Medicaid.
Many dental therapists in states that allow them previously were dental hygienists. Abby Douglas, a hygienist, cleaned Joseph Merit's teeth recently at Access Community Health Centers in Dodgeville.
Joseph Merit gets a dental checkup at Access Community Health Centers in Dodgeville, with hygienist Abby Douglas, left, and dentist Dr. Paula Duszynski. Mid-level workers called dental therapists, proposed under a bill before the state Legislature, would expand access for underserved patients, supporters say.
Dentist Paula Duszynski checks Joseph Merit's remaining teeth at a recent checkup. Merit, 72, of Lancaster, had several teeth pulled and got dentures through Access Community Health Centers in Dodgeville after some of his teeth became infected.
Dental hygienist Abby Douglas reminded Joseph Merit to brush his teeth and gums and remove his full upper denture at night. "We want to let your gums breathe," she said during Merit's recent checkup and teeth cleaning.
Joseph Merit's caregiver, Laura Murphy, helps him leave Access Community Health Centers in Dodgeville after a teeth cleaning and checkup. Merit, a former dairy farmer from Lancaster, said other dentists wouldn't see him because he's on Medicaid.
Many dental therapists in states that allow them previously were dental hygienists. Abby Douglas, a hygienist, cleaned Joseph Merit's teeth recently at Access Community Health Centers in Dodgeville.
