In their May 20 commentary on dental health, state Rep. Lori K. Gramlich and dentist Steve Mills make the case for two pending bills: L.D. 996, which expands dental care for adults, and L.D. 1501, which expands the School Oral Health Program. The bills address a severe need affecting tens of thousands.

A bit of history: In the early 1970s, I staffed a Portland United Way task force that gathered data on dental disease in Cumberland County. The study was prompted by World War II Selective Service exams showing Maine had the worst DMF rate – decayed, missing and filled teeth – in the country.

The task force learned of children whose baby teeth were rotted, of teenagers who received dentures upon graduating from high school and of adults whose job options were limited because they were too embarrassed to smile. The task force report persuaded United Way to fund model programs that could run in schools. The programs included a fluoride rinse, brushing with fluoride toothpaste and taking a fluoride pill. Parents and teachers were delighted with such a simple and effective program.

I later joined the Brennan administration as commissioner of human services. When the report was brought to his attention, then-Gov. Joe Brennan got behind two of its recommendations: creating an Office of Dental Health and establishing a statewide, school-based dental program. Both were implemented and well-received, including by children delighted by a costumed, state-funded “Bruce the Dental Health Moose” who visited their schools.

The Legislature should adopt these two bills, guaranteed to put more smiles on children’s faces.

Michael Petit
Portland