FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear says he's starting a program to improve dental care in a state known for gaps in its oral health and its smiles.
Armed with about $2 million in federal and state money, Beshear said Tuesday that his administration wants to improve access to dentists -- especially with children. Beshear flanked himself with 13 youngsters from a local elementary school to drive home the point.
Kentucky's problems with dental care are well known.
Beshear says Kentucky had the most people in the country with missing teeth in people over age 65 in a 2004 study, and more than a quarter of all residents had lost six or more teeth to tooth decay or gum disease.
A 2001 study found nearly half of kids age 4 or younger had untreated dental issues, more than double the national average.
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