2007 House Bill 4165 (Require pre-Kindergarten dental check )

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Introduced by Rep. Brenda Clack on January 30, 2007, to prohibit a child from starting kindergarten unless the parent provides proof that the child has had a dental exam since age three, and require a dentist giving the exam to provide proof in the form of a certificate.
- Referred to the House Education Committee on January 30, 2007.
  - Reported in the House on March 6, 2007, with the recommendation that the bill be referred to the Committee on Health Policy.
- Referred to the House Health Policy Committee on March 6, 2007.

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Comments

Introduced by Rep. Brenda Clack on January 30, 2007. New Comment

1) let's be realistic for a moment. [by Anonymous Citizen on March 27, 2007]
I don't thik that there is any one that can deny that dental health is important for our children. Why not offer a free dental screening to those entering school? To say a child at 3yrs. MUST see a dentist is just too harsh. Many children are just not developmentally ready. Is 3yrs. old the RECOMMENDED age by the ADA; or the REQUIRED?
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2) First Dental Exam [by SLibich, RDH on May 15, 2007]
It is recommended at age 3 due to the fact that usually all the baby teeth are in and can be checked. Many dental professionals would like to see the child prior to this age, more like 2 years old. This is not a "typical" cleaning appointment if the child is not ready. Doing a visual exam can give parents pointers on how to care for their child's teeth and avoid some major problems before they develop. My kids were seen at 18 months, but I was their "Mom" and have been checking their teeth daily since they came in. This is the exception to the rule.
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3) Very proactive. Love it. [by Anonymous Citizen on March 8, 2007]
love it
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4) Good dental health is the number one thing to extend your life [by Anonymous Citizen on March 8, 2007]
and decrease health costs.
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5) dental exam [by buehnermj on March 8, 2007]
If dental decay is detected early if can save lives. Just look at the 12 year old Maryland boy. He died due to dental neglect. Let's not let this happen in Michigan. There are programs for children for dental care. Lets implement them as well.
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6) he died due to [by Anonymous Citizen on March 8, 2007]
parental neglect.

his teeth weren't the only thing they neglected.

they wouldn't have taken him to a dentist if the dental bus was parked in their driveway.

he died from an infection that STARTED in his mouth, and progressed to his entire body. those parents should be given the death penalty.

but it won't happen, not here.

they will be slapped on the hand, and we will be taxed more to pay for mandatory dental coverage so no other abusive parents neglect their children's teeth.

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7) Troll [by Anonymous Citizen on March 8, 2007]
the old bait endlessly, eh little feller ...
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8) look ma... [by Anonymous Citizen on March 8, 2007]
it's the smelly little troll again.

he stinks of red herring.

look, ma... he's still adding nothing, just blabbing that someone else is 'trolling'.

maybe we should open a season on trolls. hunt them all down and mount their heads on our walls.

a troll eradication program is what's needed here.
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9) look ma [by Anonymous Citizen on March 8, 2007]
it's the smelly little troll again.

he just can't quit dragging off topic bait through every discussion
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10) You Came Up With [by Anonymous Citizen on March 8, 2007]
one example out of a country with 300 million people. If we start passing laws for every person here we will run out of paper to print them on. I want a law to keep obese folks from sitting next to me on airplanes.
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11) Dental [by yorkark on March 8, 2007]
Come on you guys, are you writing laws just to have something to do. This is an unfair burden on families already burdened. Dentist are very expensive and most families do not have any health care coverage to help defray the cost. Why not concentrate on solving the finacial problems in this state and quit driving people out of Michigan. If I had little kids this would drive me out.
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12) dental exams [by buehnermj on February 10, 2007]
As a Registered Dental Hygienist I see the need for this legislation. If a dental need is caught early less money is needed to return the child to optimal oral health. The time some children spend in pain would be much less if problems are diagnosed early. I would not want to see any child in pain because and exam was missed. Children are required to have medical exams, eye screenings and immunizations before attending kindergarten, this would be another screening tool to assure the child will have every advantage to optimal learning.
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13) Ditto to Great Plan [by Anonymous Citizen on February 7, 2007]
I too work with young children and it is appalling how parents avoid taking their children to have their teeth cared for. Yes, even the ones that DO have dental insurance. There are many services out there for pre-schoolers to have their teeth cared for and parents just plain won’t do it. It’s abuse to see a child with a baby bottle full of soda pop!
Also, parents need to understand that if they have bad oral health themselves, their children will also probably have bad oral health.

See photos at: http://www.ada.org/public/topics/decay_childhood.asp

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14) Great Plan [by Anonymous Citizen on February 6, 2007]
Congratulations to Brenda Clack for introducing the bill to mandate dental screening for our children. As a person that works in an environment that promotes dental screening and treatment for children it is like "pulling teeth" to get parents to get this service done. We wonder where bills like this come from? It comes from the fact that we don't seem to take our responsibility very well as parents. In the end the child is the one that suffers. The question about who will pay... I would say, if you can afford to have children, as they are a priveledge in life, than you will find the money. Also, each community offers one day per year of free dental clinics, Medicaid pays for children and most insurance plans. Would we rather pay for pulling teeth later?
Give it up high and mighty Republicans.
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15) pre-Kindergarten dental check [by SLibich, RDH on February 5, 2007]
As a member of the Michigan Dental Hygienists' Association and a trained Registered Dental Hygienist for the past 23 years, I know first hand how very important it is to maintain the primary dentition for all children. Early decay (cavity) detection and treatment not only keeps the primary (baby) teeth healthy and aids good dental development but helps the child to achieve good nutrition, speech pattern development and early positive self-esteem issues. With the decreases in insurance coverage and the loss of benefits with the automotive industry, we need to keep vigilant and help our youngest citizens in this great State of Michigan. Having a certificate can help track the child with a number (SS#) and making sure this important appointment is performed. This is a good first step!

I strongly support this House Bill #4165 and encourage all House Representatives to do the same.

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16) Kindergarten dental check [by champinejerelyn on February 4, 2007]
I give credit to Rep Clack for taking up this initiative. As a Registered Dental Hygienist I see a need for children to see dentists at an early age. Dental cavities is more prevelant than Asthma in children. Parents need to understand the improtance of dental treatment. Did you know that children can miss school because of toothaches? This is a great piece of legislation and I encourage our legislators to support it. Congrats again to Rep Clack!
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17) Are you going to pay for it? [by coneyb on February 5, 2007]
I'm glad that you support legislation that will help 'butter your bread', but this kind of legislation is DUMB. Our 'representatives' need to MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS and stop trying to legislate our lives. Making it a law to take your child to the dentist? I'm sure no one will disagree that dental hygiene is important, but if you don't have the MONEY, visiting a dentist becomes a luxury!!! I have dental insurance and still CAN'T AFFORD the outrageous co-pays!
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18) It's The [by Anonymous Citizen on February 5, 2007]
Cradle to Grave nanny government that the libs/socialists/dems are creating.
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19) to much government [by Anonymous Citizen on February 1, 2007]
When did it become the governments business to tell parents when to take their children to the dentist. Is the government going to foot the bill for these required check ups? And if so where is the money going to come from? The government is trying to hard to totally run every aspect of our lives. Enough is enough.
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20) Brenda is this all you have to offer our struggling state? [by Anonymous Citizen on February 1, 2007]
It will “save a lot of children,” said Rep. Brenda Clack, D-Flint. “Early detection means savings along the way.” She cited existing assistance programs such as Healthy Kids Dental that provide good dental care for low-income families. You have forgotten all of Michiganders who have lost jobs and don’t qualify for state Medicaid benefits. I for one don’t want my grandchildren turned away because they can’t receive to have their teeth cleaned before entering Kindergarten. Life must be good for you Brenda is this all you have to offer our struggling state?
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21) Making a difference. [by SLibich, RDH on February 5, 2007]
I am a 3 generation automotive family member and my husband is on a limited time-line with his job right now. So I know what it's like to go without not once but in the 1980's as well. We made it work and did what we had to do. Rep. Clack is trying to make a difference through the channels she has to follow. Change is never easy - I know, I have moved my family 13 times in 27 years. To do nothing is not an option. To be part of the solution is what we have to focus on. Michigan is in for more hard times and we all need to pull together, not apart.

Life isn't fair, I lived it. Life is hard, I've been there. Low cost dental care is available at the dental and dental hygiene schools around the state. They can give the care needed for those with limited funds. I've used them. Check the hygiene programs out at www.mdhatoday.org or your yellow pages under secondary eduacation. Good Luck and keep the faith!
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22) Everyone doesn't have Dental Coverage [by Anonymous Citizen on February 1, 2007]
Rep. Brenda Clack,
In the real world certainly Michigan these days who can afford to have dental check ups? Rep. Clack do you want schools to loose more money because children can't be admitted due to lack of a dental check up? This is what we strive for but frankly with all the cuts in automotive this could be a disaster for MI schools.

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23) Low cost dental services [by SLibich, RDH on February 5, 2007]
The area dental and dental hygiene programs around the state offer low cost dental care and would qualify to help fulfill this very important part of all citizens dental health care needs. Please check our website for a hygiene program near you at www.mdhatoday.org

They have dentists on staff to provide the examinations necessary for children and adults to maintain their good oral health.
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24) Not [by Anonymous Citizen on March 9, 2007]
"dental and dental hygiene programs around the state offer low cost dental care"

Then when something goes wrong you can sue the "low cost dental care" provider.
This is not governments problem
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25) Who's responsible for their own teeth? [by SLibich, RDH on March 16, 2007]
Affordable dental care is offered to those who value their teeth and would rather keep them in their mouth instead of a glass. Being a responsible adult takes regular dental care by brushing after each meal, flossing everyday, and seeing your dental healthcare professional on a regular basis to avoid the BIG problems that could lead to tooth loss. Your first set of teeth are FREE. Keep them and you won't have to worry about who you will have to sue when something goes wrong. Nothing will go wrong when you do your homework on a daily basis. Keep smiling with your own teeth!
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26) I think this will increase attendance in school throughout [by Anonymous Citizen on March 18, 2007]
a child's academic career. I say go for it.
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27) You know what, most citizens aren't AWARE how important it is. [by Anonymous Citizen on March 18, 2007]
This is proactive legislation. I hope it passes. This is good for the people and will ENCOURAGE parents to be more aware if they aren't already. The fact of the matter is that they AREN'T aware that excellent dental care early can increase your life by seven years. It's the NUMBER one change you can make in your life to increase life and quality of life. Let's send the message early. Stop being a Grinch and care about someone other than your self. This bill shows good leadership.
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28) Dental [by yorkark on February 1, 2007]
Where does a parent get the money in todays economy to pay a dentist $100.00 + to have teeth checked and you know they will find a problem they always do.

Must be someone got some campaign money from the Dental Association
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29) Fees for dental check ups [by SLibich, RDH on February 5, 2007]
There are many offices that will charge an examination fee. It is very unlikely that for an examination fee alone would be in the range of $100.00. To physically do an examination, the dentist may recommend or require x-rays to "see" if there are any infections present when a large cavity is present, this may cost more money. However, the dental schools and dental hygiene schools offer dental services at low cost to the public. Please check our website to find a school near you at www.mdhatoday.org I hope this will help you to help your family achieve the best dental care and total body health in the process.
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30) Nanny Government [by Anonymous Citizen on January 31, 2007]
Just more nanny government that proves we have no need for a full time legislature. They set around trying to dream up things that they have no business getting involved in!
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