The next article, written in 2000, is about my encounters in the Native indian Public Health Service thirty seven years ago. Today, in light of the turmoil and resistance surrounding the government's long overdue bid to overhaul the health treatment delivery system of the United States, this article is timely even today. Even though there have been some positive changes in federal and state funded programs just for this and other long-neglected populations which may have limited access, I believe inequality in the shipping and delivery of proper dental care still exists.
I have a confession to make. When I is at dental institution in the early 1970's, I had very lofty ambitions. The Vietnam War was winding down, also it was a time of serenity and love and patient for your fellow man. As a senior, I Dentist near Me researched many possibilities that could allow me to earn a living as a dentist while serving humankind. I felt that I could fulfill those dreams by either working in a dental clinic or operating a mobile dental care van in the low-income inner city or non-urban areas where good dental care was hard to find. Then I learned about a situation that could be the answer to all of my conditions.
Whenever I graduated from Georgetown Dental School in 1973, I chose to enter the Indian Public Health Service. I thought that it was a great put in which I could further my education and start a plenty of service to my community. I used to be sent to The particular Fort Berthhold Indian Reservation 5 miles from Newtown, North Dakota.
My family and I were given a three-bedroom house, which was on the compound with ten other homes and a clinic. One doctor and several other health professionals including myself, social staff and nurses lived in the other houses. This was wonderful. After all, work was a quick walking distance, and we had a full view of the Missouri River from our window and outrageous horses galloping in the fields one of the beautiful Dakota buttes. I was very fired up about residing in such a beautiful and spiritual land with my family and satisfied with the prospect of helping people who wouldn't otherwise receive dental treatment.
More important was the reassurance that I did not have to rely on charging fees for my skill or creating a high volume practice to be able to survive. It wasn't a long time before my bubble burst and the bureaucracy and misjudgment of the system became apparent.
The basics of dental treatment, including examinations, cleanings, fillings and tooth extractions, were offered. Other more costly services which may have been necessary to save teeth such as endodontics (root canal therapy), crown and bridge, incomplete or full dentures and periodontal (gum and bone) treatment required pre-approval similar to pre-authorizations needed for insurance coverage companies. Children were usually approved for the essentials, but treatment for grown ups, particularly those who needed a mixture of main canal treatment with top and bridge, were hardly ever approved.
I have a confession to make. When I is at dental institution in the early 1970's, I had very lofty ambitions. The Vietnam War was winding down, also it was a time of serenity and love and patient for your fellow man. As a senior, I Dentist near Me researched many possibilities that could allow me to earn a living as a dentist while serving humankind. I felt that I could fulfill those dreams by either working in a dental clinic or operating a mobile dental care van in the low-income inner city or non-urban areas where good dental care was hard to find. Then I learned about a situation that could be the answer to all of my conditions.
Whenever I graduated from Georgetown Dental School in 1973, I chose to enter the Indian Public Health Service. I thought that it was a great put in which I could further my education and start a plenty of service to my community. I used to be sent to The particular Fort Berthhold Indian Reservation 5 miles from Newtown, North Dakota.
My family and I were given a three-bedroom house, which was on the compound with ten other homes and a clinic. One doctor and several other health professionals including myself, social staff and nurses lived in the other houses. This was wonderful. After all, work was a quick walking distance, and we had a full view of the Missouri River from our window and outrageous horses galloping in the fields one of the beautiful Dakota buttes. I was very fired up about residing in such a beautiful and spiritual land with my family and satisfied with the prospect of helping people who wouldn't otherwise receive dental treatment.
More important was the reassurance that I did not have to rely on charging fees for my skill or creating a high volume practice to be able to survive. It wasn't a long time before my bubble burst and the bureaucracy and misjudgment of the system became apparent.
The basics of dental treatment, including examinations, cleanings, fillings and tooth extractions, were offered. Other more costly services which may have been necessary to save teeth such as endodontics (root canal therapy), crown and bridge, incomplete or full dentures and periodontal (gum and bone) treatment required pre-approval similar to pre-authorizations needed for insurance coverage companies. Children were usually approved for the essentials, but treatment for grown ups, particularly those who needed a mixture of main canal treatment with top and bridge, were hardly ever approved.
This is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Accordingly, it is difficult to figure out when to end it. But then, this is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Period.
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon