2/26: KY gets a 'C' for dental programs

KENTUCKY: State gets a 'C' for dental programs

The Pew Center On The States issued a report on the dental health of children across the nation, and Kentucky got a 'C' for meeting basic benchmarks on dental health.

"One in five U.S. children each year go without dental care, and states vary widely in their use of Medicaid and other programs for pediatric oral health," said researchers at Pew Center on the States. "A 50-state report card shows that just six states earned an A and that 36 states received a C or lower. Much of the problem is in rural areas."

The Pew analysis found four successful strategies states are using: "Preventive strategies such as school sealant programs and water fluoridation; expansion of Medicaid; workforce innovations that can expand the pool of providers; and tracking and analysis of data to measure and drive progress."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: High school graduation rates are rising, but still low

ARKANSAS: Lawmakers recess state's first-ever fiscal session

FLORIDA: Judge rules red-light camera tickets are illegal

GEORGIA: Spouses seek state's two highest offices

LOUISIANA: Some say Senate jobs bill unfairly favors Louisiana

MISSISSIPPI: Editorial: Mississippi school funding woes

NORTH CAROLINA: Distressed voters in state concerned about economy

SOUTH CAROLINA: Retirees now picking SC over NC, FL

TENNESSEE: University of Tennessee considers raising tuition rates for in-demand majors

VIRGINIA: State House passes budget that eliminates state arts commission

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