Access to Care Position Paper, 2001 The American Dental Hygienists ’ Association (ADHA) represents the

professional interests of dental hygienists in the United States. Access to oral health care is one of the highest priorities of the ADHA. Position It is the position of the American Dental Hygienists ’ Association that oral health care—a fundamental component of total health care—is the right of all people. Lack of access to oral health care is a critical issue in the United States due to disparities in the health care delivery system. Dental hygienists must play a vital role in the solution to eliminate these disparities and assure quality oral health care for all. Background The burden of oral diseases is spread unevenly throughout the U.S. population. According to the first-ever Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health, serious disparities exist in access to oral health care, especially among low-income populations. One in four American children is born into poverty (annual income of $17,000 or less for a family of four). Children an