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The topic of oral health in Missouri may not be making headlines, but the matter remains an issue. For at least the last decade, Missourians have been less likely to visit the dentist than Americans in most other states and more likely to suffer from oral diseases. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranks 47th Missouri dental care. " Like mental health, oral health is often pushed to the side. We'd like people to view oral care as an integral part of their health care that needs active managing." in access to A 2011 CDC study indicated that over 35 percent of Missourians did not visit a dentist in the previous year. Resulting from this lack of oral care, over 53 percent of Missouri seniors (65+) have lost six or more teeth due to disease or decay. However, it would be unfair to lay all the blame on residents. Gary Harbison, executive director of the Missouri Coalition for Oral Health, said Missouri's dental care could be greatly increased with the return of a state dental director. An active dental director in Missouri would open up doors for millions of dollars in oral health care grants that are currently unavailable. populations. The coalition is in the process of organizing an Oral Health Caucus in the Missouri Legislature, which plans to have its first meeting in early 2013. Missouri Representatives Donna Lichtenegger and Jeanne Kirkton will serve as co-chairs, Harbison said. A 2005 CDC study indicated that 27 percent of Missouri third grade students showed signs of untreated tooth decay. Furthermore, only 30 percent of children enrolled in Medicaid received basic dental care in 2011, according to a Pew The coalition, which Research study. reorganized in 2011, calls for other changes to Missouri's "Like mental health, oral public oral care policy, such as health is often pushed to the developing an Oral Health side," Harbison said. "We'd like Caucus in the Missouri people to view oral care as an Legislature and increasing care integral part of their health for high-risk and underinsured that needs active managing." "A dental director will bring money into the state," Harbison said. "The position can sound abstract, but it is instrumental in getting federal grants for oral care."