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When it comes to the health care debate, dental care is often overlooked. But in the state of Maryland, the governor, with the help of dental hygienists, is making a strong effort to change that. After a 12-year-old Maryland boy died from an oral infection that spread to his brain in 2007, Governor Martin O'Malley initiated an effort to bring better dental care to the state's school children. This September, dental hygienists offered free checkups to students for the second year in a row, treating them for cavities and other issues that could not only lower their performance in school, but also lead to serious illness if left untreated. Find Dental Hygienist Schools The governor has also played a central role in expanding dental care accessibility to Medicaid-eligible children in his state. In the past fiscal year, Maryland increased reimbursement rates for dentists who treat children on Medicaid, which resulted in over 100 more dentists offering their services to kids in need. While greater efforts are needed, this is a step in the right direction. At least in Maryland, dental care is now part of the healthcare debate. Find Dental Hygienist Schools
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