US charity gives uninsured Americans free dental care

A lack of dental care is a growing problem in many rural areas of the US, about a third of adults don't get their teeth checked because they can't afford it.

Dental care is not covered under any of the federal government's insurance programmes.

Al Jazeera's Diane Eastabrook reports from Joplin, Missouri.

[estherwilliams]

this makes me so angry. we have plenty of money for wars overseas but not enough for dental care for all Americans?! Shameful.

[wassup]

Poor Americans.
 In Australia we have a medical ship with dentists and doctors which travels to Papua New Guinea to help native tribes with no healthcare.
Maybe we should call into the US as well.

[roxanneworld]

it's sickening and twisted because aren't our teeth and gums a part of our body??..i think, *yes!!*

so how is it that this part of such important and serious care for our health got separated out from the rest of our wellness??

and for those who would like to read legislators and lobbyists the riot act..remember to include how strongly dental health is correlated to heart health!

so, medical insurance companies and dental insurance companies should be merging (until we have a better model) because both they and we would both be better off!

[PUCK.GUN.LAWS]

I have dental insurance I went to the dentist only to find out they want 14k to remove what little teeth I have left and give me dentures I'm 30 been dealing with this problem my whole life and it looks like I will never be able to get it fixed and be happy

[PubStarFlash]

very sad we cant afford free dental for all americans at least. if they cut the military budget by 100bil, i believe that would be enough for all americans to get their teeth fixed

[gonebythe]

And they call us third world countries at least we have free healthcare

[trunibes]

It’s sad to see so many people in line waiting to get help for

[ladyforeverwishng]

I have over 8 teeth to be pulled. Dentist won't even see me, he referred me to an oral surgeon. I am in so much pain I am near suicide. I don't have medical insurance, either. I work 40 hrs a week, but can't afford it! I NEED HELP!!!

[kuwait]

An excellent way to give back to society

[blessedfirexgf]

Yet no dental care for many in the united States of America even if it's a emergency

[quittenfee]

To call this Third Wold Standarts would be an insult to develloping countries.

[Tuuls]

I work as a dentist in Russia. We treat teeth for free. You have to make an appointment with a dentist. To remove a tooth is easy just to come to emergency dentistry and also for free. Buying medicines is not a problem very easy, even antibiotics.

[JamieNotLamie]

I am in major need of dental work. I need anyone who can give me info on a dentist that helps the poor in America. I'm considering going abroad for treatment but I really don't want to do this. I can pay cash but I certainly don't quite have 35k. Anyone?

[dean]

hahaha, looks like the US have the worst teeth after all

[mistyblue]

I really think everyone should be able to get dental health care for what ever you need your 👄 means a lot you use it each and every day and for people that can't pay for it and really need it I could understand how hard it is sum people can't even enjoy eating without being in pain or can't eat drink soups it's not a up grade for sum it's a need to enjoy simple things like eating

[nighthawk]

That is what it should be. It should not be the job of another federal government agency funded by taxes many don't feel are necessary. If you want to ve charitable, be charitable... do not force other people to pay for something that will not benefit them.
If anything, government funded healthcare should be an institution within the realm of the state governments. That would allow for different people to go to a state that suits their desires.