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Vol. 81/No. 27 July 25, 2017
Letters
Teeth decay under capitalism
The Militant article “Deep class divide means some pay for brighter
teeth, workers lose theirs” resonated deeply with me. One of my
grandmothers died of blood poisoning from an abscessed tooth and the
other lost all her teeth by her early 40s.
As a public health nurse I frequently encounter working-class families
who struggle to find affordable dental care. I try to locate lower cost
dental clinics for them, but the need always outstrips the available
resources.
Recently I participated in a tour of the Cuban health care system. One
day we visited a facility where the dental surgeons explained that they
mostly repair teeth damaged by accidents. They noted that dental care in
Cuba is considered a right and is free.
Since their water is not fluoridated, free fluoride treatments are given
with careful instructions to families with children. All Cubans, from
toddlers to seniors, receive at least two dental care appointments a
year, with teeth cleanings, examinations, and timely treatment. Children
receive braces for free.
Cuba’s health care (which includes dental) is a remarkable achievement
and a testimony to what can be accomplished when the working class is in
power. It’s a powerful example for the U.S. working class.
Lorraine Starsky
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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