Local health departments would get more money to promote access to dental care programs in underserved communities, according to a bill that has now passed both the House of Delegates and the Senate.

The bill would require the governor to commit an estimated $1 million annually between fiscal 2009 and 2011 to fund grant programs distributed by the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

The grants would then be used by local health departments to reach out to communities throughout the state that lack access to adequate dental care, including the disabled and individuals on Medicare or those who receive insurance through the Maryland Children’s Health Program.

Del. Nathaniel Oaks, D-Baltimore City, the lead sponsor of the House bill, said the idea of a grant program for dental care had been discussed well before a Prince George’s County boy died in February of an infection that started as a toothache. Oaks said he introduced the bill last year, but the money was unavailable.

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“Minority kids do not have access to oral health care,” Oaks said. “You cannot be an orderly student when your tooth is hurting.”

Under the state’s existing oral health office, 2,868 needy children received sealants as part of a school-based program. Another 9,884 children received fluoride rinses through partnerships between the local health departments and schools.

stracy@baltimoreexaminer.com