ASHLAND- State Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) and Representative Gary Sherman (D Port Wing) joined Governor Doyle and Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary Karen Timberlake in grand opening ceremonies for the Lakes Community Health Center Dental Clinic in Ashland. The two lawmakers were helpful in securing $250,000 in a state grant earlier this year for equipment and renovations to the building in addition to a Federal earmark appropriation obtained by Congressman Dave Obey and Senator Herb Kohl. The clinic also received a major $100,000 contribution from the City of Ashland to purchase the building.

Last year, during a visit to the Iron River Health Care facility, Governor Doyle pledged to commit resources for expansion of dental services to the region. Jauch and Sherman praised Governor Doyle and Secretary Timberlake for providing critical State resources to enable the Lakes Community Health Center to modernize a facility and attract a new dentist and staff to the Ashland region. "The fact is that without a commitment of State funding, the local contributions would not have been sufficient to enable this essential facility to open," they stressed.

"The lack of access to dental care for children and adults on limited incomes is one of the most significant public health challenges facing Wisconsin," Jauch said. Called a silent epidemic by the U.S. Surgeon General, the lack of dental care, particularly for children living in lower income families, is a health crisis that cannot be ignored. Literally thousands of low income residents and their children are prevented from obtaining basic dental care and endure deteriorating teeth problems that are linked to poor academic performance and increased risks to overall health. "Governor Doyle's allocation of scarce resources to address dental care access is a tribute to his commitment to improving health care for all in Wisconsin."

Both lawmakers noted that the need for dental access is particularly acute in the rural counties of northern Wisconsin. In recent years, Ashland has lost half of its dentists, requiring residents to travel lengthy distances to obtain even emergency dental care. While community health dental services are available in Park Falls and Superior, the demand for available slots limits access to any routine care. ³This state investment opens up dental care to an entire region where dental services were on the decline," said Jauch. "Without this safety net, limited income residents of Ashland and Bayfield Counties would have few, if any choices for dental care."

"Without regular dental care, many people can experience additional health problems that can affect their ability to function," added Sherman. "Recognizing this serious health risk to many northern Wisconsin residents, I had the opportunity as a member of the Joint Finance Committee to help the clinic with additional funding of $50,000. In such a difficult time for the economy, these dollars are helping to pay salaries of these employees, several of whom are new residents. This not only helps those in need of care, but also strengthens the community."

The two lawmakers noted that the dental clinic goes well beyond providing an important health care service; it also generates substantial economic development in the area. The dentist, Dr. Tina Dahlke, moved from Alaska to join the clinic and is planning on buying a house in the area. The clinic also allowed one hygienist to continue working after the former practice shut down and brought several other employees from different parts of the state, and even Minnesota, to the region. "This is how you build and strengthen a community; by bringing people to it to live and provide an important service," they said.

Funds from the State and Federal government have been instrumental in opening up additional clinics in northern Wisconsin. Marshfield Clinic utilized state and Federal funding to open clinics in Park Falls, Ladysmith, Owen, Medford and Chippewa Falls and they plan to open additional clinics in the north. In addition, Jauch and Obey provided the Superior Community Health Clinic funding to add additional dentists to open up dental access.

"We are celebrating the opening of this community dental clinic because leaders were committed to improving dental access and improving oral health, particularly for children," Jauch said. "Their goal is to be matched by state and Federal leadership to enable the citizens of this community to enjoy improved health care choices and be hopeful about the improvement of dental care in the future. While we celebrate this wonderful community accomplishment we must redouble our State and Federal efforts to provide additional resources and tools to continue to train more dentists and expand access to all," they concluded.

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