December 19, 2008--Albuquerque Journal--Letters to the Editor-- THE NEW MEXICO Dental Association (NMDA) would like to thank the Journal for focusing on oral health on the Health page. Both articles were very important — describing the link between oral and overall health and detailing the needless rise of tooth decay among preschoolers. The NMDA strongly supports educating New Mexicans of all ages about prevention and about dentistry as a whole. One article cited a recent study that provides evidence that tooth decay in primary (baby) teeth has increased among children age 2 to 5 years. The American Dental Association recommends that children see a dentist no later than their first birthday, yet only three out of five children have seen a dentist before kindergarten. As part of its current focus, the NMDA is championing legislation that would recommend visits to the dentist for every child before his or her first day of school. ... Other “Brighter Smiles for New Mexico” initiatives include: • A patient bill of rights that includes simplifying dental insurance benefits for all New Mexicans • An increase in dental Medicaid reimbursements and reduction in administrative barriers, better dental health care and increased access for all New Mexicans • Expanded funding for education programs to increase opportunities for students interested in dentistry, with the goal of having the graduates practice in New Mexico • Removal of the state's gross receipts tax on dental/medical services to increase access to affordable care. ... DALE GOAD, DDS President, N.M. Dental Association Albuquerque