I’m totally disgusted with Whidbey Island’s dental services. To be more exact, the lack of services for those with DSHS coupons. Yes, there is Sea Mar clinic, when you can get in! But this is my 17-month-old grandchild, his first dental visit.

I wanted to get him in to the Olsen Clinic (Hartman & Olsen Pediatric Dentistry). But they were full with the amount of DSHS patients they can see. I understand DSHS patients don’t bring in money like the private sector insurance patients do. So I called around. Not one clinic would accept the coupons. So what now?

My grandson is but one of thousands of children in this area. By the way, he’s not military. So what do these children do?

Now I know why I see so many Oak Harbor residents walking around with rotten or missing teeth in their mouths. They can’t afford to get adequate dental care that should be afforded to each and every individual in this country. No matter what! Rich or poor, insured or not. Our government should be ashamed of the lack of care for its people. Other countries have automatic medical care.

So, how many children will the teachers see in school with rotting and smelly mouths each and every year? Hundreds. Their parents cannot either get them to a dentist that will accept their coupons, or can’t get into the ones that do. And yes, I know there are parents who through addictions or dysfunctional behaviors don’t care, these children are at risk too.

I’ve been going over the reasons as to why I stay here. This is going on my “con” list. My con list is growing day by day. I suspect by the end of the year, I will have had enough and will go to an area that will take care of people whether they have private insurance or not.

By the way, I do have insurance. But there are those who work hard and get nowhere, who aren’t offered it through their jobs. That is the national trend with employers now. Work people one hour under benefit level so they can save a buck for their benefits.

For now, my daughter will have to look off the island for a dentist that is willing to do what they are called to do. Help people who want dental care get it so they can have their teeth for a lifetime.

A beautiful smile is worth its weight in gold.

What is a child’s healthy smile worth to you?

Susan Jordon

Oak Harbor