WHEREAS, The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about one-half of United States adults over 30 years of age have some form of periodontal disease; and

WHEREAS, In California, this number is estimated to range from 46 to 47 percent; and

WHEREAS, The CDC reports that periodontitis disproportionately affects ethnic minorities, those of lower socioeconomic status, and those in areas with limited access to dental care, of which California has many; and

WHEREAS, Periodontal disease significantly correlates with an increased risk or worsening of many serious medical conditions, including, but not limited to, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, and even certain cancers; and

WHEREAS, The State Department of Health Care Services recently reduced the Denti-Cal reimbursement rate by almost 60 percent for the ongoing treatment required for people with periodontal disease; and

WHEREAS, Research published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine suggests that the treatment of periodontal disease for those with chronic illnesses resulted in better health outcomes and reduced overall health care spending and inpatient hospital admissions; and

WHEREAS, It is vital that policymakers better understand the impact of periodontal disease, especially to aging populations, and the costs associated with allowing the disease to progress; now, therefore, be it