In the fall of 2000, the Summit County Dental Task Force, a broad coalition of interested parties, convened to consider the issue of oral health and access to dental care in Summit County. The Dental Task Force has remained committed to monitoring oral health status and efforts to address access to dental care. 

A review of the 2007 status report finds expanding access to oral health services facing a population with continuing dental health issues. Despite impressive achievements, oral health in our community unfortunately remains our most significant healthcare issue. Poor oral health and untreated oral diseases and conditions have a considerable impact on quality of life, including loss of self-esteem, decreased economic productivity, poor performance at school, and potentially, death. 

The Task Force is pleased to present a new series of recommendations for addressing these issues and a 2011 report will soon be released. Access to care is vital for acute episodes of oral pain. Our expanded goals include prevention of oral disease, sustaining good health and an understanding on how to utilize existing health care services.