The fact is, we need a Preventistry℠ approach

• Dental disease is nearly 100% preventable with early diagnosis and care.
• Tooth decay is today’s most chronic childhood disease – 5 times more common than asthma, and 7 times more common than hay fever.
• More than half of U.S. children 5 to 9 have at least one cavity or filling.
• Dental disease causes employed adults to lose more than 164 million hours of work/year.
• More healthcare dollars are spent on dental care than diabetes, asthma, cancer and uncomplicated births. 
• 23% of all adults have untreated tooth decay.
• 34% of people over age 30 have gum disease. 
• Without prevention, annual spending on dental services is expected to rise 58% by 2018.
• 1 in 10 minority and low-income children in Massachusetts feel pain in their teeth. 
• Preventistry works. It’s easier to prevent oral health problems early rather than treat them later.