Dental care in America: A system in decay | MailTribune.com

Dental care in America: A system in decay | MailTribune.com: In Illinois, fluoridation is state-mandated  Pekin Hospital in the central Illinois town of Pekin has seen a significant increase in ER patients with "very poor dental health," said Cindy Justus, the hospital's ER nursing director. They include uninsured patients and drug abusers, and many are repeat patients.

Shortages of dentists, especially in rural areas, have contributed to the problem, as well.