Dental Concerns

Nate, I enjoyed reading your article today on the importance of widening access to dental care. It reminded me how Superstar basketball player Wilt Chamberlain passed on a few years ago –due to complications from a simple dental problem.

In a related subject, I thought you would be interested in the below e-mail correspondence to see what I’ve been pursuing, regarding improved dental practices.

Best regards,

Jim Banholzer

-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Banholzer [mailto:smavo@cox.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 10:58 AM
To: 'Maggi Machala'
Cc: 'yvansickle@phd5.idaho.gov'; 'Daniella Chace'
Subject: RE: Question of proper cleaning procedures

Maggi Machala,

Thank you for responding to my concern. I did not know that Idaho Public Health districts do not have any jurisdiction over dental offices, unless there is an outbreak of infectious disease that can be traced to a specific dental office.

This is a sticky point, because right now there is much evidence -antidotal and otherwise - that indeed there is an epidemic of mass proportions occurring, especially in Southern Idaho. I refer you to the website of Colm A. Kelleher, Ph.D. http://www.colmkelleher.com/

Proper cleaning methods used in dental practices are essential to stopping the spread of this insidious disease and other communicable diseases. After hearing three tales of unsanitary practices, I wonder if allowing the Idaho Dental Association to police them selves is enough. Is there any other oversight -perhaps provided by a federal level? Should I be contacting our Congressman to see what can be done - powerful cow-lobby notwithstanding?

I will contact the Idaho Dental Association, but meanwhile am left wondering if there should not be a more thorough investigation and / or spot-checks from an outside agency, from a preventive aspect of this public health emergency. And to remind dental practitioners how important proper cleanliness is, even on the most bustling harried workdays.

Thanks again for your response,

Jim Banholzer

-----Original Message-----
From: Maggi Machala [mailto:maggi-m@phd5.state.id.us]
Sent: Monday, January 28, 2008 8:41 AM
To: smavo@cox.net
Subject: FW: Question of proper cleaning procedures

Mr. Banholzer,

I'm sorry; it appears my response to your inquiry was not forwarded on.

Please see below

Maggi Machala, MPH, RN

Community Health Director

South Central Public Health District

1020 Washington Street North

Twin Falls, Idaho 83301

208-737-5984 (phone)

maggi-m@phd5.state.id.us

-----Original Message-----

From: Maggi Machala

Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 10:09 AM

To: Yvonne Van Sickle

Subject: RE: Question of proper cleaning procedures

Mr. Banholzer,

Thank you for your inquiry. The Public Health Districts in Idaho do not

have jurisdiction over dental offices. The only way we would become

involved is if there was an outbreak of infectious disease that could be

traced to a specific dental office. We have received no such reports in

our region. If you have concerns about dental practices in Blaine

County, I encourage you to contact The Idaho Dental Association.

Maggi Machala, MPH, RN

Community Health Director

South Central Public Health District

1020 Washington Street North

Twin Falls, Idaho 83301

208-737-5984 (phone)

maggi-m@phd5.state.id.us

-----Original Message-----

From: Yvonne Van Sickle

Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 9:36 AM

To: Maggi Machala

Subject: FW: Question of proper cleaning procedures

fyi

-----Original Message-----

From: Jim Banholzer [mailto:smavo@cox.net]

Sent: Saturday, December 08, 2007 4:24 PM

To: Yvonne Van Sickle

Subject: RE: Question of proper cleaning procedures

Thank you!

-----Original Message-----

From: Yvonne Van Sickle [mailto:yvansickle@phd5.idaho.gov]

Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2007 12:11 PM

To: smavo@cox.net

Subject: RE: Question of proper cleaning procedures

Mr. Banholzer,

Thank you for your concern for public health issues in regards to the

inspection of dental offices.

Your email has been forwarded to the director of our Community Health

Division, Maggi Machala mmachala@phd5.idaho.gov, who will be responding

to your concern.

Thank you for your patience.

Yvonne VanSickle

Program Information Coordinator

South Central Public Health District

phone: 208-737-5939

yvansickle@phd5.idaho.gov

**********************************************

From: smavo@cox.net

Subject: Question of proper cleaning procedures

Sent: 11/28/2007 at 07:32 PM from 68.105.208.186

Name: Jim Banholzer

Address: PO Box 10039

City: Ketchum

State: ID

Zip: 83340

Phone: 208-720-2196

Message: Hello, I am in dire need of a dentist in the Wood River Valley

area. However, I find myself hesitating due to hearing some horror tales

of proper cleaning methods not used at some local dentist operating

rooms, which if true, would naturally result in a high potential for

transference of communicable diseases in between patients.

I wondered if you at the Health Department could help belie my fear, by

providing me some assurance, of which dental practitioners have & have

not been proven to use proper cleaning methods. Further, I wonder if the

health department ever conducts spot-check inspections to ensure the

public that proper cleaning procedures are being utilized on regular

basis's by local dentist operating rooms. Or is it the health

department's policy to allow dentists to police themselves regarding

this crucial cleanliness crusade, until someone first complains?

Thank you for your concern,

Jim B.

----------------

5/12/2007

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To learn more about South Central Public Health District, please visit

our

websites:

www.phd5.idaho.gov (public)

www.panflusouthidaho.org (pandemic influenza planning)

www.diseaseinfosouthidaho.org (communicable disease information)