Letters to the Editor

Communications to "Letters to the Editor" are the opinions solely of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Northwest Dentistry, the Minnesota Dental Association, the Publications Committee or Northwest Dentistry editorial staff. Letters will be accepted by e-mail at info@mndental.org.

February 23, 2005

To the Editors,

I read Dr. Stein's editorial "Dentists, Golf, and Ethics" in the January-February Northwest Dentistry — good article! There is a correction, however: the famous golfing dentist was Cary Middlecoff, not Kerry. I grew up in the 1950s and saw him play at the Saint Paul Open at Keller Golf Course. I also have his autograph. This member of golf's Hall of Fame, two-time U.S. Open winner, Masters champion, and winner of 40 PGA events was a true gentleman.

Sincerely,

Tim Lindblad

Peoples Bank of Commerce

Dear Tim,

You are absolutely right. I blanched when I saw "Kerry" in print. My original copy said "Cary" — I think I was edited by spell check. 

I too was lucky enough to have been taken to the Saint Paul Open on several occasions by my dad. My most vivid memory is Tommy Bolt sticking his putter about six inches into the green after three putting! 

Thanks for your kind letter.

Bill Stein, Executive Editor

Northwest Dentistry 

March, 2005

To the Editors,

Minnesota dentists have received inadequate reimbursement for years. In 1980, dental reimbursement was 6.4% of the total health care budget. The most recent data indicates dental reimbursement is now 4.6% of all health care expenditures. And as each year passes, the percentage of dental reimbursement for Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) decreases, currently representing 2% of Minnesota's annual health care expense, or only one week per annum of the state's total health care costs. On October 1, 2003, a new $500 dental limit for MHCP adults was implemented, resulting in savings of perhaps a few hours against total state expenditures. However, these expenses are estimated for dental office fees only and don't take into consideration the adults landing in emergency rooms with dental pain.

In a December 2, 2004 article in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, profits for UnitedHealth in 2003 were $1.83 billion, or enough to fund state dental health services at present levels for 32 years. UnitedHealth CEO William McGuire reportedly received $114.5 million in total compensation. This equates to the total dental services reimbursement received by more than 3,000 dentists for two full years attempting to treat the more than 650,000 persons on Minnesota Health Care Programs. Two UnitedHealth officers reportedly received a net of $171 million for the year, representing three years of total dental care costs. These executive compensation packages in the health care marketplace are far beyond reasonable, and it should be clear that dentistry is not responsible in contributing to the 27% increase in escalating health care costs. Yet dentists are being blamed for a dental access crisis in Minnesota and across the nation. The state needs to take a more responsible look at real increases driving health care costs, and then appropriate responsibly to dental health programs.

I have had many discussions with legislators about dental access issues, and lack of funding is always the root of the problem. On January 1, 2004, Minnesota Health Care Tax increased to 2%, with no exemptions for those dentists who provide care to MHCP patients. Without question, more of these funds should be used for currently underfunded dental programs.

Government funds allocated for programs serving children and pregnant women usually have matching federal funds. Patients on some MHCP are required to pay either premiums or co-payments, and certainly a percentage of these payments should go to fund dental care. If 3,000 dentists pay an average of $12,000 per year in Minnesota Health Care tax, an estimated $36 million are generated by Minnesota dentists. Assuming that half of these services qualify for a federal match, another $18 million are generated. To this $54 million, add a percentage of the MinnesotaCare premiums of several hundred thousand enrollees to this "pool". This sum does not include the costs of MA or GAMC programs that are paid through the General Fund, but only MinnesotaCare programs. So where is this money going? Last year $110 million of the Minnesota Health Care Taxes collected went to the General Fund for non-health care projects.

Is dentistry receiving appropriate funding based on dental care needs and revenue generated? Think about it. The CEO of UnitedHealth receives more annually than 3,000 Minnesota dentists treating 650,000 MHCP patients for more than two years. Isn't it time that Minnesota legislators take a realistic look at where increased health care costs originate? It's time to reimburse dentists appropriately and provide dental access to 650,000 MHCP patients.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael T. Flynn, D.D.S.

1600 Gilmore Avenue

Winona, Minnesota 55987