Louisiana dentists trying to ban mobile clinics

Mobile clincs are a key source of dental care for the rural poor in many states, but dentists in Louisiana want to outlaw them. A bill is currently before the state legislature that would ban school-based mobile clinics, but it is stalled in committee after a close vote.

"Supporters of the bill, led by the Louisiana Dental Association, said mobile dental clinics amount to 'Third World' care and that children are best served in fully equipped dental offices," writes Jan Moller in The Times-Picayune of New Orleans. Mobile-clinic supporters say the clinics provide good care, and are necessary for children who are unable to afford other dental care. They "make some valid arguments," said state Health and Hospitals Secretary Alan Levine. "The underlying issue here is access." (Read more)