This book effectively makes the case that lack of access to dental care is a public health crisis. Although a bit dry in places, the author does a good job of keeping the reader engaged by sharing stories of hygentists and dentists who are trying make preventative dental care available to children and the dentists and the professional associations fighting their efforts. We also meet parents who have literally lost a child to an infected tooth.

The author outlines the history of the dental profession, and explains that the historic separation between dentists and other medical doctors is one of the primary reasons so many are not able to obtain dental services. The healthcare situation in the US is shameful, and the oral health care situation is even worse.

Share/Like this Review?