A national charity has donated $20,000 to a local dental health initiative in Maryland. Oral Health America has pledged the sum to the Deamonte Driver Dental Project, a scheme based in the Prince George’s County area.
The project, which is designed to ensure that all children in the area have access to dental healthcare, was established in memory of Deamonte Driver, a 12 year old child who sadly passed away in 2007 after a tooth abscess contributed to an infection in the brain.
Ministers have supported the programme and stressed that authorities must learn from the tragic case of Deamonte Driver and raise awareness of the dangers of poor oral health right across the country. Now, with the help of Oral Health America, children in the area are benefitting from basic dental services and essential routine check-ups.
Many people don’t realise that poor oral health can contribute to more serious health conditions, which in extreme cases such as that of young Deamonte Driver, could potentially prove fatal. This story is particularly relevant in the light of the launch of National Dental Health Month, which is focused on educating people about the importance of good dental health and teaching parents and children good oral hygiene habits. Many communities have also offered clinics to treat children and adults who cannot afford even basic dental care, but are in desperate need of treatment.
Charities across America are working to ensure vulnerable people are offered the care they need in order to reduce the need for treatment in the future. Educational initiatives hope to tackle the national problem of poor dental health by targeting young children; fostering good habits early on will ensure children enjoy good oral health throughout their adolescence and adulthood and then pass both their knowledge and oral hygiene habits on to future generations.
