Budget signed by Gov. Evers gives Wisconsinites multiple reasons to smile
The Wisconsin Dental Association today released the following statement from WDA President Dr. Christopher Johnson, a general dentist in Eau Claire:
“The 2023-25 State Budget that Gov. Evers signed this morning contains good news for everyone committed to improving the oral health of Wisconsin’s residents. It will invest $20 million to help our state’s technical colleges train more dental hygienists, assistants and other oral healthcare providers, a critical step in addressing a dental workforce crisis that is not only bad for Wisconsin’s small businesses, but also devastating for patients.
“The budget will increase access to dental care for thousands of Wisconsinites by expanding clinics at Marquette University School of Dentistry and Children’s Wisconsin, as well as allowing Marquette to establish a dedicated clinic that will initially treat up to 500 patients with special needs. Additionally, it will allow Marquette to establish a much-needed general dentistry hospital-based residency program to bring care to even more patients and attract more providers to our state. At Children’s, the budget will also expand one of the nation’s premier pediatric dental residency programs, ensuring that more dentists are available to set children on a lifelong path of good oral health.
“The connections between oral health and overall health are well-documented and real, and the oral health of its residents is critical to Wisconsin’s physical, social and economic well-being. While there is more to be done to ensure every Wisconsinite has access to the dental care they need, this budget marks an important and positive step forward. On behalf of our 3,100 member dentists throughout the state, we thank Gov. Evers and the Legislature for a budget that reflects increased awareness of the need to increase accessibility to dental care in the Badger State.”
