Letter: Proposed legislation intended to raise awareness of dental needs

Originally published in the Post Bulletin

In regard to Aleta Borrud’s Sept. 21 letter suggesting our proposed dental legislation was not thoughtful. the whole purpose of the dental bill was intended to raise awareness.

Some proposed legislation is intended to begin discussions and build awareness of issues. The legislation introduced by Sen. Carla Nelson and Rep. Nels Pierson was intended to introduce the idea and to build awareness that there is incredible need for dental care for the poor in this very city that is home to one of the world’s finest medical institutions.

During the session, Community Dental Care discovered that another city had introduced a bill asking for $3 million in bonding for a dental facility for underserved people in its community. CDC had not even contemplated the notion that bonding might be a possibility. After discussing this with Sen. Nelson, who serves on both the bonding and Health and Human Services committees, and Rep. Pierson, who in the majority caucus and on Health and Human Services Committee, they agreed to bring a bill forward to start the conversation.

The awareness created led to a very positive discussion and outcome for CDC’s project in Rochester. The city identified a $2.25 million low-interest loan available for the project, and we broke ground last week.

We would not be in the good position we are today without the help of Rochester legislators.

Vacharee Peterson
CEO of Community Dental Care
Rochester