To the editor:

I recently read an article in the Lawrence Journal-World about residents camping out overnight to receive free services from the Douglas County Dental Clinic. It would be hard to believe that such drastic measures must be taken for people to see a dentist if it wasn’t something I’ve experienced myself.

Up until about a year ago, I couldn’t afford the dentist. So when I finally had to go in for an emergency crown, I faced a $1,500 bill that I had to pay out of pocket. I didn’t have that kind of money on hand, so I was forced to open a new credit card. Luckily, I was able to pay off the card within a year.

I can’t help but think that there’s a better solution out there. Why should hard-working people go without basic, preventative dental care simply because of cost? Why should they have to live in pain? Why should our friends and neighbors be forced to sleep outdoors so they can be first in line in the morning to get help?

I’ve seen momentum building for mid-level dental workers, who would work alongside dentists like nurse practitioners work in tandem with medical doctors. I think this is a fantastic opportunity for dentists and patients alike. These mid-level providers would especially help places like Douglas County Dental Clinic, allowing them to offer even more free or reduced-fee services to Kansans. I ask our lawmakers to support mid-level dental providers and to help bring them to our state.