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Chapter I - YAMAKA VAGGA - The Twin Verses
Mano pubbangama dhamma mano settha manomaya
Manasa ce pasannena bhasati va karoti va
Tato nam sukhamanveti chaya'va anapayini.
Mind is the forerunner of (all good) states. Mind is chief; mind-made are they. If one speaks or acts with pure mind, because of that, happiness follows one, even as one's shadow that never leaves.
I: 02 Why cry for the moon? (Mattha Kundali)
Mattha Kundali was a young brahmin, whose father was very stingy and never gave anything in charity. Even the gold ornaments for his only son were made by himself to save payment for workmanship. When his son was suffering from jaundice, no physician was consulted until it was too late. When he realised that his son was dying, he had the youth carried outside to the verandah so that people coming to his house would not see his possessions.
On that morning, the Buddha arising early from his deep meditation of compassion, saw, in his Net of Knowledge, Mattha Kundali lying in the verandah. So when entering Savatthi for almsfood with his disciples, the Buddha stood near the door of Mattha Kundali's house. The Buddha sent forth a ray of light to attract the attention of the youth, who was facing the interior of the house. The youth saw the Buddha. He was very weak and he could only profess his faith but he thereby gained some happiness. But that was enough. When he passed away with his heart in devotion to the Buddha he was reborn in the Tavatimsa celestial world.
From his celestial abode he saw his father mourning over him at the cemetery and appeared to the old man in the likeness of his old self. He told his father about his rebirth in the Tavatimsa world and advised him to approach the Buddha, offer alms and listen to the Buddha's sermon. The old man did as he was told and after the sermon, the question was brought up as to whether one could be reborn in a celestial world simply by mentally professing profound faith in the Buddha, without practising charity or observing the moral precepts. So the Buddha willed that Mattha Kundali should appear in person. Mattha Kundali appeared in his celestial glory and told them about his rebirth in the Tavatimsa world. Only then did the listeners become convinced that the young man had attained much glory by simply devoting his mind to the Buddha.
At the end of the discourse, the old man realised the Dhamma and donated most of his wealth to the cause of the Dhamma.
In this particular verse dhamma refers to good Kamma (action).
These two parallel verses were uttered by the Buddha on two different occasions to show the inevitable effects of evil and good Kamma respectively.
Man reaps what he has sown in the past or in the present. What he sows now he reaps in the present or in the future at the opportune moment. Man himself is mainly responsible for his own happiness and misery. He creates his own hell and heaven. He is the architect of his own fate. What he makes he can unmake.
Buddhism teaches self-responsibility and the inevitability of the law of cause and effect.
What one reaps accords with what one has sown, but one is not bound to reap the effects of all that one has sown. If one were, emancipation would become an impossibility.
Editor for Buddha brothers: Matthew Laird Acred
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|14 new results for Business Grants
| Business news briefs: Grants for heating crises available starting ... Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Crisis grants of $25 to $500 will be available starting Thursday. Allegheny County residents can apply at 914 Penn Ave. or by calling 800-622-3527.
| Argentina court grants abortion for teen rape victim Business Standard
A court in Argentina ruled today that a 14-year old rape victim could have an abortion, overturning a judge's earlier decision barring the girl from ...
| State grants worth $7.8 million cap strong year for Port of Palm Beach Palm Beach Post
The Port of Palm Beach's efforts to improve its facilities and build its business have received $7.8 million in state matching grants. The capital ...
| Boonville timber company using grant money to expand Utica Observer Dispatch
BOONVILLE — A long-time family timber business will be expanding its ... and hiring at least four new employees thanks to $250,000 in state grants.
| $14.5M grant links rural counties Albany Times Union
... than 2,000 businesses. Projects in Yates, Essex, Oswego, Franklin, Clinton and Hamilton counties, as well as the Southern Tier, received the grants.
| Ann Arbor area business briefs: Butzel Long and Masco Corp. The Ann Arbor News - MLive.com
Virigina-based MAXIMUS Foundation is funded by charitable gifts from the employees of MAXIMUS and supplemented by grants from the company.
| Workshops to explain value-added grants Capital Press
Northwest Agriculture Business Center will lead two workshops for farmers who want to ... Grants can be made for planning or for working capital.
| Cultural Council of Palm Beach County Awards Local Organizations ... Broadway World
Cultural Council Director of Grants Jan Rodusky says "Each year SmARTBiz gives us an opportunity to bring together our local arts and business ...
| City Council Grants New Permit for Mighty Cab Tristatehomepage.com
A special meeting, so one company can stay in business. Mighty Cab was not approved to provide service in 2014, since it failed to provide necessary ...
| Grants pave the path for Clermont students Rockhampton Morning Bulletin
"Fantastic backing comes from the local community including individuals, businesses, organisations, event proceeds and foundations. Grant recipients ...
| Cashier's Office Representative/Grants Accounting Assistant WEAU
The Grants Accounting Assistant is responsible for financial reporting and accounting for grants, business and industry contracts and for performing ...
| Utah Governor moves to help businesses, schools reduce emissions Salt Lake Tribune
Air quality » $18 million package supports bus conversions and grants to ... Cleaner school busses, grants to small businesses and research are the ...
| Grants for young Scots entrepreneurs BBC News
The 23-year-old added: "The association with the competition has really helped in promoting the business, and has provided me with numerous ...
| IDB, Compete Caribbean fund doing business reform programme Jamaica Gleaner
The Inter-American Deve-lopment Bank (IDB) and Compete Caribbean have provided funding of US$653,000 (J$69.2 million) to undertake reform ...
|1 new result for Business Grants
| Stronger NJ Business Grant Program Deadline is Tuesday, Dec 31 ...
The deadline for businesses to submit applications for the Stronger NJ Business Grant Program is next Tuesday, December 31, 2013. This program ...
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subset: commoncrawl


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Buy & Sell
Extra Services
Early Sunday morning, a woman was robbed at knife-point after entering her car, which was parked in a lot near her workplace, in Ginowan City.
Woman robbed at knife point by foreigner
Date Posted: 1998-02-14
According to police reports, the woman opened her car door and as she sat down in the driver's seat, a black male entered the car from the side door and threatened her with a knife. Repeating "money, money," the man held the knife to the woman's neck until she gave him 10,000 Yen. After taking the money, the man ran from the scene and the woman, frightened, shaking and pale, had a passerby call the police, but by the time they arrived the robber had disappeared. police investigation of the incident continues.


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Some wishes
LAKBot Home › Forums › Requests & Feedback › Some wishes
- This topic has 1 reply, 2 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 5 months ago by LAKBot Team.
Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)
Hey, after my problems building up low castles too slow ive now experienced (finally :p) that farm (of course) and missions(!!) take really long to execute. A run with everything activated except farm and missions lasts only 150 seconds for about 75 castles, which is very nice. Is it maybe possible to make the bot use the "execute all missions" function from the official website? that would be only one task then and would save so much time.
And a second little wish is to make it possible to check/uncheck a whole category, for example check or uncheck all farm at the castles. its a little clicking marathon at the moment 😀
Thanks and kindest regards!!LAKBot TeamKeymaster
Done in v1.9
Viewing 2 posts - 1 through 2 (of 2 total)


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I will be honest, I was actually quite surprised by the overwhelming response from many of you that were curious about what my current skincare favorites are. As someone who lives life behind the makeup brush, and focuses on enhancing other's beauty and putting them in the lime light, I honestly wasn't sure if you guys would be that interested! However, I put it out into the universe – and here we are!
I like to think of myself as a minimalist, someone that is pretty low maintenance in my daily life. Sure, I love to get glammed up from time to time (for a very special occasion), but a majority of my time is spent makeup free – with the exception of brows and a soft mascara. Now, if you looked at my bathroom counter, you wouldn't believe my minimalist approach to things. The reason I am able to go out of the house with little to no makeup is because of how intricately I care for my skin! If I've said it once, I've said it 100 times… your makeup will only look as good as the skin you are applying it to, so you better start with proper skincare. Below I will go over all of the cleansing products in my arsenal, I will give you a direct link to shop them, and also go over how and when I currently use them. If you have questions, feel free to drop me an email or comment below and I'd love to answer any questions you may have!
First things first, my favorite cleansers. It is so incredibly important to ensure that you are removing any dirt, debris, makeup, or other environmental chaos from the surface of your skin, but also your pores. There are three cleansers that I have been using regularly and I feel like this has tremendously helped.
Beautycounter – Countermatch Pure Calm Cleansing Milk (link here).
When I purchased the Countermatch collection from Beautycounter, I'll be honest… I didn't like the cleansing milk. At all. I am someone who really enjoys the slip and suds associated with a gel cleanser, and past products that I've used have the ability to trick me into believing that the better the suds, the better the clean. So using a cleansing milk left me bored, unimpressed, and just overall uninterested. In recent months, my skin has yet again shifted and I find myself becoming dryer and more sensitized than usual so I picked up one of the unopened bottles of Cleansing Milk (I have six… so I felt it was time to find a way to incorporate it into my regimen) and I began using it in place of my Clinique cleanser that I've been faithful to since 2012. The results? My skin felt more supple and less tight after just one week! However I still feel like it doesn't do a great job by itself getting the longer makeup off, so I use it as a pre-cleanse step. Essentially I will dampen my skin with cool-lukewarm water, take the cleansing milk (two pumps after shaking), and gently wash my face to break up a day of makeup (or on makeup free days – prep my skin for my current favorite cleanser). I find that it works really well to bust through my setting sprays and powders and begin the process of removing my makeup. Once I have gently washed my face by moving the water and milk around my face in gentle circular motions, I will follow it up with a rinse of cool water to remove everything. Again, I feel like this works extremely well but in no way do I feel like it does everything I need it to do – so I follow it up with my second cleanser. I generally use the cleansing milk morning and night unless I am feeling very lazy and haven't worn makeup the day before, then I might skip this pre cleanse step in the morning.
Could you get away with skipping this step? Probably. If cleansing milks are something that you don't enjoy the texture of, or if you plan to use this alone and you wear very heavy makeup – I probably would skip this step and opt for the two below instead.
CLNandDRTY – The New Romantic: Exfoliating Rose Cleansing Stick (link here)
The New Romantic: Exfoliating Rose Cleansing Stick is completely out of my comfort zone, and if Paula and the awesome gals at CLNandDRTY wouldn't have sent this to me to give it a whirl, I probably would not have discovered it and still be in my cleanser rut. This cleanser has been a game changer and I've been using it for just one full week… That is HUGE. First off, if I haven't worn makeup and I am feeling lazy, I will probably skip my pre cleanse step all together and jump right into using this little stick of magic. I feel really dorky saying that, but this is probably my favorite cleanser I have ever tried – ever, seriously. The cleansing stick application is something that I have had to get used to, and being a clean freak you know that I asked Paula about the potential for mold growth or bacteria by storing the stick with the lid, and she assured me that there is no danger of that at all. The way that I use this cleanser: I apply a small amount of lukewarm water all over my face, and then I take the cleansing stick and grip the tube very well around the bottom and begin using circular motions to gently scrub away the debris and makeup that might still be on my skin.
It is the strangest sensation in the world, but I love the way the cleanser glides across the skin without tugging at all, and then at the same time – baby jojoba beads exfoliate your skin without ripping or tugging. I like to give the pores around my nose (under my eyes on my cheeks, and across the bridge of my nose) a little extra TLC as I have huge pores, and already after one week I can tell that this cleanser has made a huge difference! Once I have thoroughly made my rounds on the face, I will gently rinse off the stick (leaving the cleanser on my face while doing this step to give it an extra few seconds to work it's magic), and then dry the stick thoroughly and replace the cap. I like to do this step with the cleanser still on my face because those few extra seconds help my skin to feel even more refreshed and I feel like the cleanser penetrates my pores even better and pulls out the debris this way. Before rinsing, I take the thin layer of cleanser that is still on my face and continue to work it around my face in small circular motions with my fingers, and then follow it up with a good rinse from some cool-lukewarm water. Gently pat dry with a clean towel. As I mentioned above, this cleanser has already became a favorite in my regimen and I can tell that even though I was sent this for free to try, I will be repurchasing this whenever I run out! Another thing that's cool? Paula has actually given me a discount code to share with you guys! No, this is not a commission code. Truly, if you use code "ASHLEY20" at the checkout, you will save 20% on any full-priced items (including the amazing cleansing stick) and I get to feel good that you purchased something that will level up your skincare! Simple as that.
Beautycounter – Counter+ Lotus Glow Cleansing Balm (link here)
The Cleansing Balm is again, something I have had to get used to. My first encounter with this product was when Krysten (the gal that got me hooked on Beautycounter) gave me a bag of goodies to try for a week to ensure that my skin didn't react. My skin is so sensitive that I can usually tell after one use whether or not a product is going to be an issue, but before making the investment she was kind enough to loan me the Countermatch line and this cleansing balm. I'll be honest, a cleansing balm is so completely out of my comfort zone that I didn't like it. I hated how thick it felt, much like vaseline (because it is a balm, duh Ashley…). And I was confused by how something like this could make a difference in my regimen – so I used it once, decided I hated it (because I'm biased) – and never touched it again… until recently. With the weather in Minnesota and our winters being so darn dry and cold, yet we still have some form of humidity that is bone crunching and skin cracking – I remembered back to a conversation that I'd had with Krysten about the balm, and how she said that many people use this as diaper rash in a pinch, or that you can sleep in it as an overnight masque. So in the name of science, I gave it a whirl. And I actually found that I really enjoyed it! If I am wearing airbrush or waterproof makeup, this is the cleanser I reach for instead of the cleansing milk to take care of my precleanse step. It busts through the longwear and waterproof products, and helps to prep my skin for the cleansing stick step as well.
Another use for this guy is when I get my pesky eczema flare ups. Whether using it on my body to add a boost of needed hydration (much like my favorite eucerin cream that you won't find me without), I will apply the smallest amount to my break out and work it gently into the skin. Usually within a few minutes my skin feels much softer and considerably less painful. If I get that same eczema breakout on my face, I'll actually follow all of my skincare steps and then apply the cleansing balm over my moisturizer in that area and sleep in it. Seriously, a little goes a long way and I'm disappointed in myself for pressing snooze on this product for so long! – This product is not included in the photos as I am still just using a sample size because it lasts forever!
Again, the favorites listed above are MY favorites, and they work incredibly well for me. In no way am I saying that these products will work for every single person, as you may have an allergy to one of the ingredients, or maybe you just don't like the texture or how it works for you – and that's okay! But all of that being said, these products have made a huge shift in the clarity of my skin and they will definitely be in my arsenal for years to come!
Check out second part to this mini series – my favorite skincare treatment options – http://makeupartistrywithashleymarie.com/2020/01/28/the-gangs-all-here-a-guide-to-my-current-skincare-favorites-treatments/


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Update news for 2010-04-01
- Fix: Changing ammo in modules when there was not enough ammo in cargo for all of them resulted in disappearing ammo and modules stuck in reload.
- Fix: Modules got sometimes stuck in a constant reload state when using reload all.
- Fix: Weapons did not activate when a non-primary target was selected, even when there was a primary target present.
- Change: Refinery: the "Waste" column has been changed to "Delta", which shows how much raw materials you need in comparison to an optimal level of refining efficiency. Optimal level here means a material ratio of 50% and a relation ratio of 0%. So a negative delta means you need less raw materials than this, a positive delta means you need more. This number in itself doesn't affect the "Required amount" column in any way, it's just an indicator of how efficient you are.
- Fix: Manufacturing named items did not consume the correct amount of lower level items.
- Fix: Bad column sorting in several places.


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Patient Testimonials
Her offices and staff are outstanding and I couldn't be happier with the results I've been getting. Definitely recommend them whether you go to the clinic or they offer go to you. The only thing I wish is that there was more stars to give. Keep up the great work and I am certainly going to mention to all my new friends in need.
- Don O.


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(2004), "Tomorrow's answer – metal to composite joining breaches a new frontier", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 76 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2004.12776dad.002
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2004, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Tomorrow's answer – metal to composite joining breaches a new frontier
Tomorrow's answer – metal to composite joining breaches a new frontier
Keywords: Composites, Metals, Surface treatment
For years engineers and materials scientists have spent countless head scratching hours trying to develop a high strength means of joining composites to metals.
Fibre reinforced polymers used by themselves offer high strength and low weight. But their use in engineering invariably demands that they are joined to other materials, usually metals.
Poor mechanical performance, low fatigue resistance, and a deep-seated distrust of the joint's repeatability and integrity have, until now, coerced designers into over-conservatism. And this negates the very essence of weight saving. But it could soon be a thing of the past.
With the advent of Comeld the world of composite-to-metal joining is said to be set for a surprise. Automotive, aerospace, medicine, oil and gas, renewable energy ... the industrial applications for joining fibre reinforced plastic composites to metals are countless.
The heart of Comeld's success reportedly lies in a metal surface pre-treatment, invented and patented by TWI, and dubbed Surfi-Sculpt.
The joint is produced by allowing the polyester resin and glass fibre composite to bond to the prepared surface of, in this case, stainless steel. A successful joint is created by allowing the polyester resin to bond to the prepared surface of the stainless steel. In some circumstances a further adhesive layer may be called for. Additional standard surface preparations like etching and priming have also been used to a great extent.
The Comeld joint reportedly fails at a much higher load and absorbs far more energy before failure, than a conventional joint of identical dimensions.
This is a joining process of the near future. Formula One racing cars, high performance military jets, shipbuilders, energy suppliers ... just about any industry that uses composites and metals in the same structure will be interested.
But these are early days in the development of Comeld. So assured is TWI by the recent and revelatory performance trials that it has launched a group sponsored project to explore its uncharted capabilities.
For further details, contact: Faye Smith, TWI. Tel: +44 (0) 1223 891162; Fax: +44 (0) 1223 892588; E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


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We have a full line of products tailored to meet your needs coupled with programs specifically designed for teachers.
Find out why Horace Mann is right for you.
So you're ready to buy a car. One of the first questions you should ask yourself is: "Should I buy from a dealership or from a private seller?" Consider the pros and cons of each.
Heading to your local dealer has more perks than the coffee, donuts and giant air dancers. It can be easier to get financing from a dealer than a private seller. Also, a dealership can live or die based on reputation and word-of-mouth, so they're more likely motivated to provide you with a good car-buying experience than Joe Schmoe. On the other hand, dealerships can be high-pressure environments, and your bottom line price may be higher because of the dealer's need to maximize profits.
Private dealer
Making your purchase in a one-on-one situation can be a relief when compared with showroom stress, and you'll probably end up paying less. Also, who better to give you detailed information on a car's history than its previous owner? That said, trust may be an issue with a private dealer you don't know, and you usually can't count on a warranty.
Whichever car-buying route you choose, make sure to do as much homework on the front end as possible. Form a clear idea of what you're looking for in a vehicle – and how much you're willing to spend for it. The more preparation you do, the less chance you'll suffer from sticker shock – or any other nasty surprises.
WBTL-0732 (Mar. 19)
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Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch refers to Rolex watch with Oyster case and Perpetual movement. The Oyster case featured an ingenious patented system that functioned like a jar lid. Once the bezel, case back and winding crown were screwed down, it was hermetically sealed. Hidden away in the waterproof Oyster case, Perpetual movement ensures that self-winding via perpetual rotor provides the watch with a constant and stable source of energy.
It took Mercedes Ruehl ten hours to swim across successfully the English Channel with a Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch in 1927. As a result, the watch remained intact. From then on, Rolex gained a high reputation all over the world.
As for most people, complex function watch can be crossed out from the shopping list if you plan to get a watch for the daily life. A watch may not have calendar function, and neither has chronograph function. Basic function and a chic dial absolutely make a watch wear for a long time. Rolex Oyster Perpetual watch just reaches the standard. Made their debuts in 2014, Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 watch with blue, red grape and dark rhodium dial was stunning, more suitable for female. Listen to the voice of consumer demand, and Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 watch was launched one year later. It won't be out of fashion that Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 Ref. 114300 watch accompanies you for decades.
The eye-catching feature is the chic dial with three different color sun-brushed patterns. Dark Rhodium dial is the most conservative and the most popular, while the red grape and blue are bolder and younger design. The stylish dial leaves a deep impression and makes people interested. Stick minute&hour hands stay consistent with stereo gold hour-markers, ensuring identity and readability. Only three/six/nine-O'clock hour-markers and minute&hour hands are filled with luminescent coating. What interests many people is colorized square dot hour-markers. What vividly the combination works!
Oyster case and Oyster bracelet is a perfect match. Brushed 904 L stainless steel bracelet stands in sharp contrast with mirror polished bezel. For the Oyster Perpetual models the Oyster bracelet is fitted with an Oyster clasp.
This model is equipped with calibre 3132, a self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. It features Parachrom hairspring, Paraflex shock absorbers and gold screw balance wheel, offering 48 hours power reserve. Its architecture, in common with all Oyster watch movements, makes it singularly reliable.
Those gentlemen who believe in the pursuit of minimalism select Rolex Oyster Perpetual 39 watch, simple but practical, stylish and perfect. Chic look reminds you of 1980s' classic design, and lively colors make wearers more charming. Comparing with red grape model, the blue and dark rhodium models are easy to match with business suits and shirts.


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Our Diplomat Responsive Politic Micro Niche WordPress Theme is a great-looking theme which was professionally developed with passion by our developers team. With this bright and attractive design the theme is suitable to a political campaign and to any nonprofit organisation. It also equipped with the all required tools to help you building really great website and as a result it will involve more visitors and client to your company.
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To make everything clear for you we provide with detailed documentation and video instructions which are so easy to follow and figure out, you will see how easy is to work with Almera.
Attention! No longer need to export/import .xml files, no more trivial round to install demo content, no more mess and fails. The fat feature of Almera is one-click-demo-install. If you like this theme a lot, if it totally fits your corporate design, sure you need to structure your own website layout and content exactly as demo version shows. One click – full website content: pages, posts, shortcode elements, slider.
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We do care about our customers and always ready to help resolve any issues. Feel free to contact us any time you need help with our products. Please be aware we have help section with tutorials and FAQs. Please take a moment and check our support forum where you can also open new topic, or submit a ticket in our support ticket system for our support team and they will reply shortly.
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By Melissa Wynn
Photos by Ben Graham
Lassen Volcanic National Park is minutes from Chester, but late and heavy snow at the park's higher elevations left much of the towering volcano and her natural wonders hidden behind roads still closed. But we were on an adventure. If with car you don't succeed… fly, fly again.
We got lucky on that early June Saturday. I called Dan English at Mt. Lassen Aviation in Chester and he was free to take us on an amazing scenic flight ($60 per person) at noon. Woo Hoo! Who needs roads? The sky was crystal clear and I could see for miles as soon as we climbed above the tree tops. Lake Almanor was stunning from above, bulging its shoreline and turning the once dry spillway into a river of step down waterfalls. The higher we climbed the more I began to realize the true majesty and beauty of our Northern California home. I am a bit nervous in a small airplane but Mr. English is an exceptionally skilled pilot with a calm and comforting personality. He gave us an awesome tour of Lassen Volcanic National Park, pointing out all the major attractions like the striking kaleidoscope of color in Boiling Lake and bubbling hot mud pits of Bumpass Hell. Numerous lakes (more than I ever knew were there) of all shapes and sizes dot the forest like puddles and ponds and Dan can name them all. The peak of Mount Lassen was blanketed in snow and we circled the peak while Mr. English pointed out the scars left by the active volcano's last eruption. The ancient Cindercone and Painted Dunes were second only to the peak in mystical wonder from that unique aerial perspective. My Lassen Aviation Scenic Tour left me in awe of my Sierra Nevada home and our friendly neighborhood volcano. I was so glad that I took the advice of my family and faced my fear of flying and joined the fun. It was an adventure I shall treasure always. I highly recommend visiting the park on foot, up close and personal, but I promise that you will witness few things in a lifetime as stunning as the Lassen Aviation experience. Reservations are highly recommended a few days in advance during the busy summer season and can be made by calling 530-258-3616 seven days a week 9 am-6 pm. Share the Adventure!


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Good dental care is about more than brushing your teeth and keeping an attractive smile. Teenager Dominique Allen of Petaluma, Calif., was rushed to the hospital in 2010 with a life-threatening infection. The cause? Bacteria from four rotting molars that had caused crippling pain for months had spread into her jaw and neck, triggering so much swelling she could barely breathe.
Allen's case is not unique. Between 2000 and 2008, more than 60,000 Americans were hospitalized with abscessed teeth — a preventable problem — and 66 of them died. Researchers have also linked gum disease to heart disease and other serious illnesses. This guide will help you figure out how to get dental care for you and your family — and how you can keep your mouth healthier on your own. Plus, a special section on flouridation.
How to Find Affordable Dental Care Plans
Finding affordable dental care is a challenge for Americans in every income bracket, but especially for poor and middle-class adults on a tight budget. Even if they could afford dental insurance, they might have trouble finding a plan. Private insurers, Medicaid, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, for example, don't have to even offer dental care to adults. Employer health insurance policies may or may not include dental insurance. Here's where to look for it.
The Marketplace
Your Affordable Care Act plan doesn't have to offer you dental insurance, but some ACA plans do. You can look for and buy a stand-alone dental plan, but you need to purchase your ACA medical coverage first.
This consumer website can help you find and compare medical costs - and help you understand an insurance policy. Visit the website or call for help at 1-855-566-5871. Be aware: navigating some of these subsidized options can be confusing and time consuming. Most have a phone number to call for help.
If your income is low or you have a disability, you may qualify for Medicaid, a state-run health plan that might include dental care. States are required to offer dental benefits to children covered by Medicaid, but fewer than half of the states provide comprehensive dental care for adults. Most states do provide at least emergency dental services, but options for preventive and basic care (such as cleaning and fillings) vary by state. Check your eligibility and state's benefits on the Medicaid website. Click on "Learn How to Apply for Coverage" or contact your state Medicaid program.
Even if you earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, you may be able to enroll your children in CHIP (the Children's Insurance Health Program), which covers dental care.
Employer Health Plans
If you're a full-time or even part-time employee, you may be eligible for dental insurance through your employer. According to the National Association of Dental Plans, 96 percent of large employers offer some sort of dental coverage (either through the company or the union). The larger the group insured, the better the benefits tend to be.
Because dental benefits vary so widely, it's important to read the information carefully, especially if you have a choice of provider. Take the time to balance the offered benefits against your needs. You may be able to adjust your choice during certain enrollment periods, usually once a year.
Private Dental Plans
These dental plans, which are also carried by some employers, include Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, Cigna Dental and Aetna. If you are planning to buy individual dental insurance, consider this:
Can you keep your dentist?
You probably won't be able to: most programs force you to select from a pool of their approved dentists.
Check exclusions:
Many major and expensive treatments, including root canals, are excluded from some policies. Implants, orthodontics, bridges, extractions and even porcelain crowns.
How soon can you be treated?
Many programs have a six month waiting period or exclude pre-existing conditions.
What is the annual limit on treatment?
Consider your needs.
If you don't want metal crowns, for example, put away some money for porcelain crowns.
12 WAYS YOU CAN PROTECT YOUR TEETH (and save on dental care)
You'll save big money on dental care if you don't put off seeing the dentist when you have swollen gums or a tiny cavity. Left unchecked, gum disease could cause you to lose a tooth. And if that cavity leads to an abscess down the road, it could be costly (not to mention dangerous). Besides getting routine dental exams, dental experts advise that you do the following:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush.
- Floss your teeth once a day (before you brush).
- After brushing, use a mouthwash to rinse your mouth.
- Have your teeth cleaned every six months.
- Ask your dentist about dental sealants, which help protect your teeth against decay.
- Rinse your mouth after eating crackers or other food that sticks to your teeth.
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and protein.
- Avoid sodas and too many sugary foods.
- If you smoke, stop.
- If you have any tooth pain or a small crack or hole in a tooth, see your dentist right away. A filling can cost less than $50 in some places, while an untreated cavity can turn into an abscess costing hundreds of dollars or more.
- Never give your baby soda, and give your toddlers and children water rather than soda and sugary drinks.
- Don't let your baby go to sleep with a baby bottle in his mouth (this can cause serious tooth decay).
Warning: Despite the claims of some scam companies, discount dental cards are not insurance. The cards are marketed as a way to get lower prices for certain dental services -but not all dentists accept them. Here's what to do if you're considering a discount card:
- Call your state insurance commissioner to make sure the seller is legitimate.
- Check out the company on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, RipOff Report and state attorney general's office.
- Ask for a list of providers that accept the card and check with three or four to see whether they do.
- Check the policy and make sure there's 30-day cancellation fee.
- See whether your provider will accept the card. If not, ask whether the company has a patient assistance program.
Why Is Good Dental Insurance So Important?
A healthy mouth is an important part of a healthy body. So why isn't everyone seeing the dentist?
One word: Money. Dental care is expensive. The 2014 ADA Health Policy Institute report Oral Health & Well-Being in the United States found that among all income and age groups surveyed, everyone — even people with the highest incomes — cited cost as a main reason for not seeking dental care.
That lack of care has consequences. The report found that:
- One in five low-income American adults say their mouth and teeth are in poor condition.
- Nearly 30% of young Americans say the condition of their mouth and teeth hampers their ability to interview for a job.
- One in four Americans are afraid to smile due to problems with their mouth and teeth.
- More than one in four Americans are plagued by tooth pain.
- 23% feel embarrassed about their mouth and teeth.
- One in five experience anxiety due to dental conditions.
One problem is that dental care "is excluded from most insurance plans for a bizarre and antiquated reason," according to an article in The Atlantic: As a profession, dentistry and surgery grew out of hairdressing — barbers used to pull teeth, drain abscesses and even take care of wounds. Surgery and medicine were considered two very different fields, a bias that some experts say drove policymakers planning Medicaid in the 1960s to pay little attention to dental problems.
As Columbia University professor of dental medicine Burton Edelstein told the magazine, the division between medicine and dentistry has long been a "medically, morally, and ethically inappropriate separation."
Indeed, when cost is taken care of, studies show dental care goes up dramatically. Researchers have seen improved dental health in children who are covered by Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which together cover 40 percent of children in the United States.
What about the Affordable Care Act?
Wasn't the Affordable Care Act supposed to guarantee our right to health care? Children have definitely benefited from its expansion of dental coverage. But according to some experts, dental insurance for adults fell through the cracks.
The Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA), sometimes called Obamacare, made dental care for children one of the ten essential health benefits. It's credited with major improvements in childhood dental health. (See "If You Have Children Who Need Dental insurance or Dental Care.") But it didn't do much for adult dental care.
Even though ACA marketplace plans don't have to offer dental coverage for adults, some do. If you decide you want dental coverage and your plan doesn't offer it, you can buy and enroll in a separate, stand-alone dental plan. There are many reputable sites out there that provide some good information about how the ACA works, who is eligible and how much subsidy support you may get.
The bottom line: Check whether dental coverage for adults through ACA programs are cost effective for you. The government Marketplace website has programs that allow you to check the costs and benefits, along with premiums and co-pays of stand-alone dental plans.
These vary state by state. Choose your state at Healthcare.gov to check plans available to you. Or call 800-318-2596 to speak to someone at the Marketplace. Note that many commercial organizations also have "marketplace" websites offering insurance. Be sure to check your options.
Dental Insurance: What Needs to Change?
The American Dental Association and the National Association of Dental Plans disagree on our current dental insurance's cost-effectiveness.
American Dental Association Health Policy Institute
"For the vast majority of adults with private dental insurance, more is spent on premiums, copays and coinsurance than the actual cost of the procedures," said Marko Vujicic, PhD, chief economist and vice-president of the Health Policy Institute of the American Dental Association.
The Health Policy Institute just put out a comprehensive research brief on dental insurance, including employer supported plans. It examined more than 24 million dental claims across 5.9 million adults enrolled in a dental benefits plan for 365 continuous days.
First, the HPI found a third of people with private dental insurance didn't use the all benefits they paid for: More than one in three adults ages 19 through 64 with private dental benefits did not have a single dental claim within the year.
Second, the report found the fees paid to dentists were "significantly lower" than market rates for dental care.
The HPI also found that for 69 percent of adults with private dental insurance, their total spending including premiums was actually more than the "market" value of their dental care.
In many health insurance policies, the coverage kicks in to pay the costs after you've paid a certain amount — about $2,927 under the Affordable Care Act. Dental insurance is exactly the opposite: It cuts off when your costs hit the cap — usually $1,500 or less. "And for me to get a $1,500 benefit, I have to pay out almost that amount," Vujicic said.
And for adults without private or employer-sponsored insurance, the landscape is bleak. The Health Policy Institute has also released a comprehensive state-by-state report that "for the first time, shows how seriously oral health issues are impacting the lives of adults." At the national level, HPI reports, more than two out of five low-income adults have trouble biting and chewing due to the condition of their mouth and teeth. In addition, 29% of low-income Americans said the condition of their teeth interfered with their ability to look for a job.
The NADP reports that most employer-sponsored plans offering dental insurance pay for employees' premiums, but according to Vujicic, "Premiums are never free to beneficiaries. There is convincing empirical evidence by health economists that shows that employees pay for premiums either directly through contributions or indirectly through lower wages."
National Association of Dental Plans
The National Association of Dental Plans, which represents dental insurers, insists dental insurance is absolutely worth the consumer out-of-pocket cost.
The association charges that the ADA's study on dental claims used inflated dental costs and premiums and understated the cost of services funded by dental plans to reached "incorrect and misleading" conclusions.
The premium costs the ADA chose don't reflect the out-of-pocket costs of the majority of those insured, according to Evelyn Ireland, executive director of the NADP.
"In dental policies coverage kicks in after a deductible that averages only $50, unlike a medical policy where you spend almost $3000 out of pocket before getting coverage," says Ireland. "And consumers do not spend $1,500 to get $1,500 of coverage. Preventive services are usually covered at 100% and basic services like fillings are paid at 70% to 80% by the insurer. Only major procedures like crowns are covered at 50%."
Group plans, such as those offered through employers, cover 93 percent of those with [dental] insurance, and 77 percent of them have most or all of their premiums paid for by their employer, according to Ireland.
"If you adjust the premiums in the ADA study for group coverage, employer contributions and pre-tax payment of any premium the employer does not cover, the conclusion about the value of dental benefits is the polar opposite of that asserted by the ADA," said Ireland. "Only those consumers who don't go to the dentist will pay more for dental insurance than the market value of services used."
Just having dental insurance may be a benefit - it can prompt better preventive dental care, Ireland said. "There's clear research -cited by the surgeon general- that finds people with insurance coverage are two times more likely to go to the dentist than those without coverage," she said.
The insured "are also more likely to have the additional services needed to maintain dental health," Ireland said. "Without dental benefits, we would see a significant reduction in visits to the dentist and a surge in dental disease in the United States."
In terms of limits on coverage cited by the ADA, 95% of those with dental insurance stay within the limits on the amount of treatment paid by the insurer. "The dental industry offers higher limits but with only 5% of consumers reaching the limit, employers choose limits that keep dental premiums low and serve the needs of most of their employees," Ireland said.
Reza Koopah, DDS, says that about 80 percent of his San Francisco Bay area patients have some kind of dental insurance, but it's inadequate. "By the time patients come in for a procedure, their insurance is exhausted for the year," he said.
Another problem — for patients and dentists - is that coverage hasn't kept up with the times and improvements in care. The limits have not changed in decades. Newer sophisticated procedures that can save teeth — such as inlays rather than crowns - are not covered, for example.
These limits affect the way some patients make care decisions. "A lot of patients have become insurance dependent, and tend to think that's all the care they should get," Koopah said. For this reason, they don't pay more out of pocket for needed treatment "and they end up suffering."
Alternatives to Dental Insurance: Going Outside Coverage
If You're Low to Moderate Income
No mistake about it: Finding affordable dental care if you're strapped for cash can be a tough, exhausting search. Perhaps you've already sat all day at a public health clinic only to find it doesn't cover dental problems. You may have had to travel 100 miles or more to find a dentist that accepts Medicaid. And the waiting list for your local dental school clinic may be months long. Still, if you don't have dental insurance, some of these options may help you find dental care you can afford.
Working out a payment plan with your dentist
Most dental offices understand patients may have difficulty paying for their services. Billing is usually handled by the office personnel, not the dentist directly. Be sure to tell the office personnel about your situation. They may be able to offer you advice or even a payment plan.
If you can pay on the spot with cash or a credit card, you may be able to get a discount of about 5 percent on services from some dental offices. It's good to ask.
If you don't have the money to pay up front, ask about a payment plan. Some dental offices will offer a payment plan through their office. Almost all will direct you to a loan installment program such as such as CareCredit, which will pay the dentist and give you a year or more to pay back the money at zero interest (see below).
CareCredit: A no-interest loan for dental care
It may hurt less to pay for that $2,500 root canal and crown combo if you can pay it off over time - say six, eight or even 24 months - with no interest. The companies that allow you to do so include CareCredit health financing.
The catch: if you don't pay it off within the time your contract specifies, you'll pay walloping interest rates — almost 27 percent — on the total amount, retroactively from the date of service.
Many dentists work with one or more of these companies. Ask your dental office personnel which they prefer, and they can help you set it up.
Clinics at dental and dental hygiene schools
Many dental schools and oral health teaching facilities have clinics that can be a good source of quality, reduced-cost dental care and treatment. These clinics provide students with experience in treating patients while offering care at a reduced cost. Students are closely supervised by experienced, licensed dentists or dental hygienists, and many schools also have clinics where faculty members and graduate students also offer low-cost care.
The costs vary, but will be less than private care—sometimes considerably less. At the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry, for example, fees are about one-third of those in private practices. And if you can't afford that, the school may direct you to free clinics.
The drawback: So many people apply for treatment at these clinics that there may be a long waiting period before you get treatment, which can be a problem if you have a dental crisis that can't wait. At this point, a no-interest loan from CareCredit, working out a payment plan with your dentist or visiting a dental fair in which thousands of patients are treated at once may be a better option.
To find a clinic at a dental or hygienist school, look on the list of dental and hygienist schools searchable by zip codes, which is offered by the Commission on Dental Accreditation on its website. Some schools have information about clinics on their website, or you may need to contact the schools directly.
Community health centers
Thousands of federally funded Community Health Centers around the country offer low cost and even free health care, including some dental and oral health care, to those who can't afford to pay. Approximately 1 in 13 people in the U.S. relies on a one of these health center for medical care, with more than 24 million Americans treated through these programs last year.
Fees are most often on a sliding scale - you pay what you can afford, based on your income. And no patient will be denied health care services if you can't afford to pay, says Martin Kramer of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).
Many, but not all, offer oral health services. Find a center near you by entering your zip code on its website.
Oral Health America
This national nonprofit supports an informative website called Tooth Wisdom that can direct you to some affordable resources in your state.
United Way
The United Way is a non-profit organization that offers a range of health services referrals to people from all communities and of all ages and may be able to direct you to free or reduced-cost dental services in your community. To find the United Way in your area, visit the site and type your zip code in the box provided. You can also call 211, or access www.211.org to find programs in your area.
Clinical trials for dental and oral conditions
Researchers sometimes look for volunteers with specific dental, oral and craniofacial conditions to participate in studies, also known as clinical trials. Study participants may get free or low-cost dental treatment for the particular condition under study. One study, for example, looks at people with face, head, and neck abnormalities; others are examining people who have had facial traumas. Another looked at gum disease in people with Type 2 diabetes. To find an oral health clinical trial that may fit your needs, visit the National Institutes of Health.
Other state and local resources
Your state or local health department may know of programs in your area that offer free or reduced-cost dental care. To find out, call your county or state health department and ask about their financial assistance programs or check their websites. You can find your state public health department contact information on the CDC site.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
The NIDCR has a good summary of dental care options, with links to many subsidized programs. You can also contact the NIDCR's National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse directly at 1-866-232-4528 or firstname.lastname@example.com if you need additional information.
Veterans services (see "If You're a Veteran")
Children, Veterans and Other Special Groups: Where to Find Insurance
In a 2015 report, the Pew Charitable Trust called dental care "the greatest unmet health need among U.S. children." in 2015 approximately a quarter of U.S. children did not have dental insurance, either private or public, the report said. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to emergency room visits, hospitalizations and even death: In 2008, children went to the emergency room more than 215,000 times for preventable dental issues, at a cost of more than $104 million.
Here are some resources to help you find affordable dental care for your children.
The Affordable Care Act Marketplace
The ACA has done more for children's oral health than adults. By helping lower dental insurance costs and encouraging use with subsidies, it's credited with major improvement in childhood dental health.
Despite the passage of the ACA, buying dental insurance and/or paying for care is a struggle for many families, according to the CDC. See what's available in your state.
The good news: States are required to provide dental benefits to children covered by Medicaid and/or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Together, these programs cover benefits for 40 percent of children in the United States, including — in some states — medically necessary orthodontia.
Medicaid dental care for children covers regular screenings and treatment for any discoverable dental condition, whether or not the services are included in that state's Medicaid plan. Dental services include pain and infection relief, restoration (or fillings) and basic dental health.
These benefits are based on family income and size, and the two programs complement each other: All children enrolled Medicaid are eligible for dental care; and families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but can't afford private insurance can find free dental care through CHIP.
Much of this assistance goes unused. In 2013, however, more than 16 million children who were enrolled in Medicaid and eligible — almost 50 percent — got no dental care.
CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)
For eligibility in CHIP, some 46 States and the District of Columbia cover children up to or above 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $51,500 for a family of four in 2019. Some states allow 250- 300 percent of the federal poverty level. You can check the levels here on the website. States are required to post a listing of all participating Medicaid and CHIP dental providers and benefit packages. To find children's dental care programs in your state, visit Insure Kids Now or call 877-543-7669.
Employer's coverage and private plans
If your work-related health policy has dental coverage, it may cover your dependent children — perhaps up to age 26. There may be an extra premium or copay, however. Check your policy and contact your company's human resources office for more information.
Credit: GKAS Facebook page
Give Kids a Smile (American Dental Association)
This program has helped 5 million underserved children receive free dental services, which are provided by about 10,000 dentists and 30,000 dental team members. Visit the program's Facebook page to find out about upcoming events. The ADA also has a resource page for parents to help them find the closest clinic offering free or low-cost dental care.
School-sponsored dental clinics
The clinics tend to appear in schools with a higher percentage of children eligible for federal free or reduced-cost lunch programs. Funding comes from a variety of sources, including Medicaid.
One initiative is the school-based sealant program, which has been successful in reducing cavities by more than 70 percent, according to a Surgeon General's Report.
Dental sealants are special tooth coatings that prevent tooth decay and also stop cavities from growing. These are typically run by dental hygienists using portable equipment, a mobile dental van or clinic. Depending on the state and how a particular program works, students are checked for early signs of tooth decay. Some programs also provide cleanings, topical fluoride, oral health education, and screenings, according to Pew Charitable Trust.
Check with your school and state public health department about these other school-based programs and edibility requirements.
Other resources for children's dental care
For information on CareCredit no-interest loans for your children's dental care, working out a payment plan with your dentist and checking into resources offered by United Way, community health centers, dental fairs and other programs, please see "How to Find Low-Cost Dental Care Outside Insurance."
Older adults are one of the fastest growing segments of the American population — and can be most at risk when it comes to dental and oral issues.
Aging brings a series of special dental needs. Seniors are often more susceptible to dry mouth, gum disease, tooth loss, jaw issues due to tooth loss, mouth fungus (thrush) and oral cancers. Yet only 2 percent of retirees have dental coverage through a prior employer, according to Oral Health America, a Chicago-based nonprofit.
Certain Medicare Advantage plans
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and for people under 65 with specific disabilities.
Although most seniors 65 or older have Medicare, it doesn't cover dental care except in situations where the dental problem is related to certain other medical issues. It doesn't cover any routine care. Medigap — a private insurance plan that supplements Medicare — also fails to offer dental coverage. Some private Medigap Medicare Advantage managed care plans such as Kaiser's Senior Advantage do offer dental benefits, for a fee. (See Medicare Advantage Plans, next).
For more information about Medicare coverage, visit Medicare Dental Services or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Have your Medicare number handy when you call.
Medicare Advantage Plans
These Medicare health plans are offered by private companies that contract with Medicare to provide Part A and Part B benefits. Several different kinds of organizations offer Medicare Advantage plans, including Health Maintenance Organizations, Preferred Provider Organizations, Private Fee-for-Service Plans, Special Needs Plans and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans.
These organizations offer prescription drug coverage, and for another fee may be able to supplement your basic coverage with dental care. However, these plans often have co-pays, do not allow preexisting conditions (such as lost teeth) and may be capped at a certain amount
Medicaid is a state-run program that offers subsidized health coverage, which can include dental care, for those who qualify. Most states do provide at least emergency dental services, but check your state's benefits: Coverage for preventive and basic care (such as cleaning and fillings) vary by state.
If you think you could be eligible for Medicaid, Visit the Medicaid website and click on "Learn How to Apply for Coverage." You can also contact your state Medicaid program.
The Affordable Care Act Marketplace
If the Marketplace in your state is run by the federal government, there's a Catch-22: You won't be able buy a stand-alone dental plan unless you're also buying a health plan - and if you have Medicare, you already have a health plan.
If your state is running its own Marketplace, you may be able to purchase a stand-alone dental plan.
Oral Health America
This national nonprofit supports an informative website called Tooth Wisdom that can direct you to some affordable resources in your state.
Medicare Interactive
An online reference tool of the nonprofit Medicare Rights Center, this website lists some options for finding affordable dental care for seniors.
Veterans Health Administration
Veterans Health Administration
If you're a vet, you have health benefits through the federal Veterans Administration, but dental care is limited. To be eligible for VA dental benefits, a veteran must have a service-related dental disability, be a former prisoner of war or be totally disabled from a service-related injury. Check with the VA to see what benefits there are for you or your dependents.
Under the national VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP), some veterans and dependents can buy private dental insurance at a reduced cost. But the benefits have the same drawbacks as other private dental insurance: payments are limited to $1,500 a year, with a copay of 50 percent for most procedures such as fillings and crowns, and some procedures aren't covered at all. (see "Buying Private Dental Insurance").
Free services for veterans
Volunteer dental professionals and organizations are proving some free services for veterans. Dental groups, individuals and organizations across the country volunteer to offer free dental care to veterans under programs such as "Veterans' Smile Day" or "Give Vets A Smile." In 2015, more than 300 dentists from nearly all the 50 states provided more than $300,000 in free dental services to an estimated 2,000 veterans, according to the ADA. This year, dental teams from Aspen Dental, a national chain of dental offices, treated more than 4,000 veterans in mobile units across the country to $2.1 million in free dentistry on its annual "Day of Service" June 25.
To learn about free programs for veterans in your area, contact your state's Dental Society. You can find a link to dental societies by state on the ADA site.
For more on free or low-cost options, see "Alternatives to Dental Insurance," above.
People with Diabetes
More than 29 million people in the U.S. have diabetes — either Type 1 or Type 2, with almost 2 million new cases diagnosed each year, according to the American Diabetes Association. This disease can cause special dental problems. People with diabetes are more vulnerable to gum disease and mouth infections, dry mouth, changes in the taste of foods and slower healing. Periodontal (gum) disease is the most common dental problem, and it can exacerbate symptoms of diabetes.
The potential savings from preventive dental care, however, is enormous. One research paper found that treating gum disease in 60 percent of Americans with diabetes could save $39 billion in health care costs.
Another study, led by dental scientist Majorie Jeffcoat, DMD, professor and dean emeritus of the University of Pennsylvania, found that that treating people with diabetes for gum disease resulted in "an average of $2,840 savings per patient per year, with drug costs decreasing by $1,477." Looking at a different sample in the same study, researchers also found that hospitalizations dropped by 39.4 percent among those who were treated for gum disease.
Ways to prevent dental problems if you have diabetes
The American Dental Association recommends a five-point action plan to help lower the risk of dental problems for people with diabetes.
Control blood sugar levels with medication and a healthy diet to help your body fight any bacterial or fungal infections in your mouth and help relieve the dry mouth caused by diabetes. Avoid smoking. If you wear any type of denture or removal bridge, clean it each day. Make sure to brush twice a day with a soft brush and floss correctly daily. See your dentist for regular checkups.
The American Diabetes Association also has some good advice for taking care of your teeth.
A Word About Fluoridation
The benefits and safety of fluoride for dental health have been debated and documented for nearly 70 years. Back in the 1940s and 50s, conspiracy theories about fluoride in community drinking water flourished. While science was heralding it as a public health boom, others were calling it a communist plot and public health hazard.
Over time, scientists triumphed, with community water fluoridation recommended by nearly all public health, medical and dental organizations because of its contribution to the dramatic decline in tooth decay in the United States since the 1960s. Numerous scientific studies from organizations around the world, including the World Health Organization, have found it safe and effective.
Researchers say drinking fluoridated water has reduced tooth decay by approximately 25 percent in children and adults, saving money and teeth. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) named community water fluoridation one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. Fluoride is also available in toothpaste and mouthwashes.
"It's a very good practice," says Alice Boghosian, DDS, a spokesperson for the American Dental Association and a clinical instructor in restorative dentistry at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry. "Think back about why dentures were so prevalent in the past. People lost teeth at a relatively early age due to extensive decay, and in fact expected to lose teeth as they aged. Today, that has dramatically changed, with those who grew up with fluoridation keeping most of their teeth life long."
"Fluoridation helps prevents cavities, making teeth and the protective enamel harder," she added.
There's still some controversy, with organizations such as the Fluoride Action Network opposing adding fluoride to community water sources. If you are wondering about the benefits and purported risks of the practice, check out the FAQ on the CDC website.
An Expert's Advice: Good Oral Health: How Do We Get There?
Marko Vujicic , PhD, is the chief economist & vice president of the Health Policy Institute, part of the American Dental Association.
Why is dental health so important?
Marko Vujicic:
It's interesting people even ask that question, which shows there is a lack of understanding about how seriously oral health issues impact us all - medically, physically and emotionally. The medical connection of oral health to disease has been documented in many studies. Our recent state by state report on oral health and wellbeing found a significant emotional impact as well: 29 percent of low-income adults said their ability to interview for a job was affected by the condition of their mouth and teeth - and nearly one in four reported they participate less in social activities because of oral health issues.
Why don't more people get care?
Marko Vujicic:
Cost is the number one reason cited across the income spectrum - even from those with higher incomes and dental insurance. Dental care is treated separately from other health care and often not included in health insurance.
Why does dental insurance have so many restrictions?
Marko Vujicic:
Good question. Stand-alone dental insurance really should be called a benefit, not insurance. Most insurance is meant to shield the beneficiary from catastrophic costs. But dental insurance is exactly the opposite: it shields the insurer, not the patient, from catastrophic costs. In my view, this model is outdated and quite Byzantine.
Is anything being done about this?
Marko Vujicic:
The ADA put out a comprehensive report on Oral Health and Wellbeing in the U.S. that looked at insurance, among other aspects of access to dental care. It's been clear that the better access to dental care for children under Medicaid and under the Affordable Care Act has resulted in significantly increased access to dental care and improvement in oral health. The next logical step is to explore policies to improve access to dental care for adults, particularly low-income adults.
What do you recommend?
Marko Vujicic:
First, we need to revisit the separation of mouth and body in federal and state health care policy. Given the significant impact of oral health on the body as a whole, and vice versa, the current official views make no sense.
Second, it's time for dental "insurance" to be restructured so it actually pays for oral health - that was made clear when our survey found cost was a major reason for foregoing needed dental care even among those with insurance. Obviously, the insurance system now isn't working for better oral health.
Finally, we need to switch the focus when measuring oral health from just cavities and gum disease to the importance of overall oral health to everyone's physical, social and emotional well-being. We need to change our health care system so it includes -and actually delivers - oral health care.
To quote the report again: We need to put more effort (and perhaps money) where our mouth is.
About Judith Horstman
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- The Pew Charitable Trusts. "States Stalled on Dental Sealant Programs." Accessed October 23, 2023.
- Medicaid.gov. "Dental Care." Accessed October 23, 2023.
- ASPE. "HHS Poverty Guidelines for 2023." Accessed October 23, 2023.
- CDC. "Dental Sealants." Accessed October 23, 2023.
- Medicare.gov. "Dental services." Accessed October 23, 2023.
- Medicare Interactive. "Resources if you need dental coverage." Accessed October 23, 2023.
- U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. "Providing Health Care for Veterans." Accessed October 23, 2023.
- U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. "VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP)." Accessed October 23, 2023.
- Aspen Dental. "Healthy Mouth Movement." Accessed October 23, 2023.
- Medscape. "Does Treatment of Oral Disease Reduce the Costs of Medical Care?." Accessed October 23, 2023.
- CDC. "Ten Great Public Health Achievements -- United States, 1900-1999." Accessed October 23, 2023.
- CDC. "Community Water Fluoridation FAQs." Accessed October 23, 2023.


text: Broadcast 2348 (Special Edition) Guest: Open Lines with Dr. David Livingston. Topics: SpaceShip2 accident, Antares accident, NewSpace, Legacy Space, ULA, Air Force, SpaceX & more. Please direct all comments and questions regarding Space Show programs/guest(s) to the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. Read more about Broadcast 2348 (Special Edition)Comments


text: I was at a full day about innovation at Mediaplaza in Utrecht today. We used a room that had a stage in the center and chairs on four sides around it. This is a bit weird as the speaker has to look in four directions to be able to connect with the audience. The funny … Continue reading Notes On a Full Day of Innovation


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BulletBoys are a glam metal band from Los Angeles, California that was formed by vocalist Marq Torien, guitarist Mick Sweda, and bassist Lonnie Vencent in the late 80s after they left King Kobra. It also featured new young rock drummer Jimmy D'Anda. Their self-titled debut album, labeled by one critic as "a decadently wonderful excursion into the eye of the hair metal hurricane", brought them huge commercial success, producing the top 40 rock hits Read more on Last.fm
BulletBoys has 3 songs that have been featured in movies like Beerfest, Wayne's World and Hot Tub Time Machine. What is your favorite song by BulletBoys?Tweet


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Posted in History on May 14, 2007
Imagine yourself in a rather large and almost empty room with an iron bed in the corner. Autumn. Cold. Gloomy. It has been raining for days and the roof is leaking. In the opposite corner on the ceiling the wet spot is slowly spreading; the rain drops are falling into the bucket on the floor. You cannot complain to a landlord – last month's rent has not been been paid. All that's left is to watch strange patterns forming on the ceiling. And if you look closely, you can see remarkable things – traceries made of beautiful, and quite bright color rings – green-blue (vitriol?), brown (metal roof rust?), pink (old paint?). The bands of different coloring are sharply separated from each other and form intricate figures. Nowadays it is hard to see something like this. New technologies – concrete blocks, leak-proof roofs, synthetic materials, and no chalk-based plaster and vitriol. But in the past… Who was first to observe such "chromatograms"?
In the 19th century, the understanding of plant's green color gave scientists an extraordinary intellectual satisfaction. It turned out that the plants absorb the sunlight and then use its energy for synthesis of nutrients! It was necessary to separate and purify the pigments of a green leaf – chlorophylls, but they are so close in their properties that nobody was able to do it.
Mikhail Tsvet was trying to solve the separation problem of green leaf pigments.
[…] (No Ratings Yet) Loading … Series: 135th BirthdayHappy Birthday Professor Tsvet!Chromatogram on the ceilingColorgramFrom Switzerland to […]


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The elevation of Major Applewhite to playcalling duties following the departure of former co-offensive coordinator and the subsequent changes to the staff have opened up the position of running backs coach for the Texas Longhorns.
It's not a position that requires a lot of coaching expertise and will most likely be most likely be filled by a coach who can take on some of the recruiting load that Applewhite will no longer be able to carry. The 247Sports Big 12 Recruiter of the Year in 2011 for his work keeping the 2011 group together in the midst of all the coaching changes, Applewhite also did an extraordinary job building the Texas running back position through recruiting after some major misses and poor evaluations.
As a result, the ideal candidate for the position would probably have ties to the Houston area that Applewhite formerly recruited.
However, that may not be a priority for Mack Brown, as neither of the two names that have surfaced so far have strong ties to that area.
The top name for many is that of DeSoto head coach Claude Mathis, who has ties to the Austin area as the former coach at LBJ and ties to the Texas program after sending multiple players to Austin. As a result, he's considered to have a strong relationship with Mack Brown and harbors some ambitions, as evidenced by his short stint as the Houston running backs coach before deciding to return to the Metroplex and his job as the coach of the powerhouse Eagle program.
He also happens to coach a player in all-purpose back Dontre Wilson who would fill the need for a running back in the 2013 class created by the recent defection of Kyle Hicks.
Since DeSoto is still alive in the playoffs, set to battle Allen this weekend for a birth in the state title game, Mathis obviously isn't thinking about a future past the big game on Saturday. However, when contacted by Horns Nation, Mathis did not seem to deny any interest, but rather to deflect any speculation for the time being. Once DeSoto is done with their season, be it this weekend or the one after, expect for there to be more conclusive word about any potential interest.
The other name is one thrown out there by Hookem.com ($) -- former Wisconsin running backs coach Thomas Hammock. Another African-American candidate who was left behind when Bret Bielema bailed for Wisconsin and decided to retain the running backs coach already at Arkansas, Hammock is seen as instrumental in the rise of the Badger running game and the massive success of backs like Montee Ball.
Hammock also held the positions of assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator at Wisconsin, so he has some chops on the recruiting trail, as well as experience at the position as a standout at Northern Illinois in the early part of the decade.
Somewhat overqualified for the position after handling playcalling duties at Minnesota late in the 2010 season as the co-offensive coordinator, Hammock would provide a nice blend of recruiting ability and positive on-field results.
Stay tuned as other names emerge or more information comes to light about the two candidates mentioned.


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A little bit of my world in a blog......from makeup and fashion, through to interior design and all things vintage. A blog of thoughts, feelings and maybe a few ideas! -enjoy.x
Thursday 24 May 2012
Upstairs bathroom final touches...
Here are some photos of the final touches to our upstairs bathroom.....i had these shelves painted by my mama in a beautiful off green shade. I added lace to the edges and the back is covered in gorgeous fashion pictures that i got from niki (nostalgia at the stonehouse)...then added some little extras to complete the look.
Tuesday 22 May 2012
My love for all things religious.....
I love all things religious, from prints to statues and medals. I have so much!! i will post some of my collection on here when i have placed them in my home, as at the moment they are at my parents waiting to be collected! But here are some gorgeous pictures to inspire.....
If i could i would constantly be buying vintage religious items...but i have so much i need to stop! but when i find that special something i cant resist it as my thing is....i will never see one like it again! i have managed to get some stunning items for such good prices. I will post some pictures of the items soon........
Sunday 20 May 2012
Office ideas.....
So next thing to sort is our desk area. I have some chest of drawers that i want to use as a desk.....i got it for £10!! Am thinking of having it painted a farrow and ball colour....a hint of blue or grey im thinking and need to think of how i would like the final touches.....definately want to track down some wire baskets or tray...anyone know of anywhere that i could get some from?
Posted by Unknown at 09:44 No comments
Inspiration of colours and pretty things.....
I love these shades of pink....i definately am changing my style, as i never was a pink person! But some of these shades are beautiful and so soft.
Would love to ride this bike in the summer with a pretty vintage dress on through the english countryside!
Posted by Unknown at 06:58 No comments
Saturday 19 May 2012
Saturday project
Hi lovelies! Hope you are all well. I decided to use some of my energy by putting some postcards in a frame. I bought these three beautiful postcards for £2! I think they are stunning and the colours are beautiful! The frame i got for 50p! All from shepton mallet flea market. I wanted to frame them but needed to cover the wooden background so used some old music paper, i know you cant see it much but its nicer then plain paper....
Posted by Unknown at 10:29 No comments
Wednesday 16 May 2012
Little joys
So downstairs bathroom is complete! Here are some photos.....
I bought these gorgeous little shelves from the amazing shepton mallet flea market! Painted up they look fab! I added a little 50p plate that my mama got me from a charity shop, a couple of green bottles, my hand wash and a christmas decoration that i feel can be used all year round!
Then a vintage mirror kept as it was bought to add some glamour and the windowsill adorned with blush pinks on a cake stand and a bit of green too add another colour!
I bought these gorgeous little shelves from the amazing shepton mallet flea market! Painted up they look fab! I added a little 50p plate that my mama got me from a charity shop, a couple of green bottles, my hand wash and a christmas decoration that i feel can be used all year round!
Then a vintage mirror kept as it was bought to add some glamour and the windowsill adorned with blush pinks on a cake stand and a bit of green too add another colour!
Posted by Unknown at 08:03 No comments
Wednesday 9 May 2012
Lil princes room additions....
My lovely kind parents came and dropped some bits off that mama created for our lil boy....rocking chair painted beautifully...a cushion with an addition to it-little rabbit and a gorgeous elephant all made by my talented mama!
Posted by Unknown at 12:43 No comments
Some finishing touches here and there...
Yesterday was a productive day! I managed to sort my 50s unit out and start my displays! Yay! So i cleaned up my unit, sorted inside and lavished the top. I put my grandmas linen panel as a cover to not show the red. I then added a china plate with a cake stand and some beautiful items, including a lavender pillow my mama made me and one of her gorgeous little fairys! Then i placed another cake stand with some other items including the mary lavender pillow my mama created....
Posted by Unknown at 12:23 No comments
Tuesday 8 May 2012
Bank holiday weekend!
Hope you all had a lovely weekend despite the weather! Me and mama were so excited to be going to the shepton mallet flea market but pregnancy was not letting me! So instead we went to the frome artisan market (i waddled!). We had been previously and had found some lovely vintage stalls but didnt find that this time, though the shops were open on catherines hill we were hoping for some vintage flea type stalls like last time we had gone, so instead we sampled some gorgeous food and went to millie moon and bought some gorgeous fabrics. I bought two floral pieces to frame and one piece to make a toy bag for the little prince! Shame we couldnt make shepton but baby will be here by the next one so we will be able to go then! We are on the hunt for a bookcase!! So our quest continues....
Posted by Unknown at 10:25 No comments
Friday 4 May 2012
Pray, love and angels...
So today I found some items in my packed box! Love it when i find thinfs ive packed away and forgotten....
My great grandmas rosery, a prayer card i found in a job lot on ebay and my grandmas metal jesus on a cross...now to find a home for them...
My great grandmas rosery, a prayer card i found in a job lot on ebay and my grandmas metal jesus on a cross...now to find a home for them...
Posted by Unknown at 14:18 No comments
Thursday 3 May 2012
Two more weeks to go then im on maternity! phew! finally! Living room is nearly painted and then the best bits can start! We had my partners grandads old rocking chair given to us which my mama is painting...cant wait to see it when its finished! That will be done along with two old hanging wall shelves......one for the babies room and one for the bathroom upstairs. Im so looking forward to adding the final touches to the house and for it to get a good clean! Then we can relax before baby comes! hopefully! So ive been looking again at inspiration and found some pictures that inspired.....
What a beautiful room!
A sweet collection of old bottles filled with a wild flower...effective yet effortless.
Love the colours...imagine having that door!!
Cant get enough of vintage china!
I love dressers where you can be creative and place beautiful objects, fabrics, pictures however you want...then when you want a change you can start over again with more of your favourite finds.
Hope you are all well.....A x
Posted by Unknown at 11:42 No comments
Tuesday 1 May 2012
Match box transformation....
Love this gorgeous match box that my mama made, transformed with just a printed image...love little touches!
Posted by Unknown at 11:28 No comments
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Carel md becomes TRA president
THAILAND: Komsan Sripavatakul, managing director of Carel (Thailand), has been appointed president of the Thai Refrigeration Association for 2016-2018.
The Thai Refrigeration Association (TRA) was founded in 1992 and is the national non-profit organisation representing approximately 200 members from the refrigeration industry in Thailand, including manufacturers, contractors, consultants, end-users, suppliers and related business.
TRA has been actively involved in supporting its members in the enhancement and development of the refrigeration industry, bringing together people from the entire industry and giving them a central forum to help them accomplish their common goal of making progress and achieving success.
Discussing his new role, Komsan Sripavatakul said: "Thailand is the 'kitchen of the world', and needs a lot of what the refrigeration industry has to offer, such as cold rooms, supermarkets, showcases, bottle coolers, ice machines, etc. Therefore, TRA intends to play a crucial role in leading the refrigeration industry to achieve this milestone."


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Saturday, November 24
Kiviportintie, 12:00
We got up late, as we tend to do at weekends, and I went for a walk in a brisk but reasonable morning.
I take a different route today: through the woods, left across Riskutie and down to Kiviportintie where I walk past Alepa to the main road. As I come to the lights I notice an abandoned bicycle and as I turn to photograph it an ambulance races past photogenically.
After brunch we will clean, and move some winter lights from the shed to the house and garden. We will then go shopping for Christmas presents and groceries. We will wander through Stockmann's deli which will now have all the things that it didn't have last week, like stollen, ginger balls and other Christmas goodies.
Irma will cook a delicious salmon in the oven and we will sit and talk.
She will receive frequent messages from Naa who has gone on a cruise to Stockholm with Sampo.


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The Dodo Bird
Stage Actors Ensemble
By Gabrielle S. Kaplan
Emanuel Fried's intense one-act The Dodo Bird explores what it means to live on the fringes of our society, to be a man who's failed to achieve the American dream and ceased to live by the culture's basic standards. The Dodo Bird represents those we often choose not to see: the guy with glazed eyes talking to himself walking down the street, carrying a bottle in a brown paper bag, maybe asking for change. All these Dodo Birds came from somewhere, had parents once, maybe their own family, maybe a job.
In Fried's play, set in a midwestern industrial town, the Dodo Bird is fortunate to work as a millwright's helper, due to the kindness of millwright Russ Nowark, who keeps him on despite frequent hospital visits for the d.t.'s; the job is just enough to get by on. The story of how this particular human being reached this point of desperation and isolation is revealed during one evening in a bar across from the foundry, where the Dodo Bird is sober, washed, and waiting for a visit from his estranged daughter.
First produced in 1967, The Dodo Bird definitely reflects our times in this fine Stage Actors Ensemble production, which showcases Fried's naturalistic writing, his ear for dialogue and knack for real characters, and his deep grasp of human behavior. Fried's background provides some clue to his knowledge of the blue-collar world and the politics among factory men, which he used to create an authentic, emotionally rich play. Born the son of a Jewish businessman in Brooklyn in 1913, Fried lived the life of a bohemian, a blue-collar worker, and an academic: originally a professional actor, then a template maker and union organizer, he went on to get a PhD from the State University of New York, where he eventually became an assistant professor of English and wrote plays.
It's no surprise that since Fried himself underwent dramatic transformations of his working identity, he makes the connection between occupation and identity a key theme in The Dodo Bird. The men here define themselves by what they do, and when their job is threatened in any way they become anxious and aggressive. The pecking order in the factory produces a pecking order outside–when Bull is bullied by his boss, he comes across the street to the bar to unleash his rage on an easy target, the Dodo Bird, who's at the very bottom of the heap. The Dodo Bird lost his identity as a man and provider when the specialized machine he worked on became obsolete. The loss of his job led to the loss of his sobriety, self-respect, wife, home, and daughter. It's clear from Fried's writing that he knows these men, knows what their jobs mean in terms of pride, and knows the insecurity of a position at the bottom of the social ladder.
Jacqui Thomas, an actress and singer making her directorial debut with The Dodo Bird, clearly establishes the men's relationships in her clean staging: she respects the timing of Fried's script, his simple, straightforward dialogue and rising action. One of the dangers of this play is that the characters are big and could easily go over the top. Bull, for instance, is an Archie Bunker type who hates everything. Fried gives him moments when we can sympathize with him–because he's overworked and stuck in the rut of his job and because he has brains–but an actor could easily turn him into a stereotype as his rage escalates (at one point he tells his barroom buddies that "the Nazis had the right idea…they just cooked the wrong people," referring to the Dodo Bird, who's within earshot). Fortunately Tom Herbstritt keeps him grounded, which makes Bull's cruelty all the more frightening.
Bob Maram and Kenneth Johnson also play the subtlety in their characters, making them flesh and blood. Maram is Nick, the tavern proprietor who's concerned about making his living off the men's drinking yet sympathizes with their need to drink, and Johnson is Nowark, the millwright union representative whose kindness and sharp wit are the shreds of humanity that render this despairing play bearable.
But it's Stephan Turner's portrayal of the Dodo Bird that really makes the production work. A lesser actor could have turned this down-and-out guy into a bad midwestern Forrest Gump. Not Turner, whose unsentimental acting brings the Dodo Bird's longings and loss to the surface in a vital and believable way. Especially in the last monologue, when he shares for the first time who he was years before, Turner's Dodo Bird finds the last bit of strength that keeps him living. Turner's monologue represents a rare moment of honesty in the theater, and it ends the play with a believeable bit of hope.
Fried's The Dodo Bird should have a long life in our sink-or-swim society, where industrial jobs are becoming extinct. We need to recognize that the American Dream can't be realized by everyone in a capitalistic society where service jobs start at minimum wage, just as we need to recognize our strange denial of those who become our "untouchables." These struggles are the meat of our drama, eloquently expressed in the voices of Fried's foundry men, whose worries and conflicts could be found in any American factory today.
Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): Uncredited photo from "The Dodo Bird".


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Tuesday, May 25, 2010
communist and corporatist kitsch
People's Republic of China and Maoist simplicity. And I got to thinking -- communism and communist kitsch is irresistible to corporate marketers because communism is fundamentally aspirational and communal. Marketers know that people want not just a product but an experience, a brand that appeals to their aspirations in life. Furthermore, people want connection with others. And communism supplies a readily recognizable utopian ideal and communal emphasis. Which is kinda fascinating when you think about it -- that both communism and corporatism are appeal to the same fundamental human desires for transcendence and connection.
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Salman Khan interested in buying IPL team
Bollywood action hero Salman Khan is the latest cine star to join the Indian Premier League (IPL) gravy train and has expressed interest in buying a team.
Salman met IPL chairman and commissioner Lalit Modi here Tuesday and was briefed about the nitty-grittes of buying an IPL franchise.
The fourth season of the IPL in 2011 will see two new teams and they would be up for grabs through a bidding process later this year.
Modi said Salman is interested in buying an IPL team.
'He has been interested to buy a team for quite some time,' Modi added.
'Today we had a brief meeting and I explained him how to go about with the task. I can assure you that Salman is not the only star who is thinking to buy a team. I have had around 28 queries and the list will surely go up,' he said.
IPL vice-president Niranjan Shah told IANS that Salman is a serious buyer and will bid for one of the two new teams.
'Salman is a serious buyer and is contemplating to buy an IPL team. He came along with couple of his friends and was briefed by Lalit on the procedure to buy IPL franchise,' said Shah.
Shah went on to add that cities like Ahmedabad, Nagpur and Vishakhaptanam are in fray to be the hometown for new teams.
'It will be an open tender process and the city that gets the highest bidder will be the new IPL team,' he said.
Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla are the co-owners of Kolkata Knight Riders while Preity Zinta is also a joint owner of Kings XI Punjab. Shilpa Shetty and her boyfriend Raj Kundra also bought some stakes in Rajasthan Royals.ALSO READ: COLORS' 'Khatron Ke Khiladi 13': Hina Khan aka 'Sher Khan' makes a comeback as a challenger


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Easter egg hunts have long been a family tradition for this informant. Every year, her parents will hide eggs for her and they will also paint eggs the night before. In the Easter eggs, they will hide candy or small toys. Of course, now that she is older it is more of a fun tradition they keep. However, when she was younger, her and her sister always had huge Easter egg hunts.
This year, a few days before Easter, this informant, me and many more of our friends went around campus at midnight at we hid a total of 1,000 filled Easter eggs in random places. After getting our bags of Easter eggs, we became the Easter bunnies and hid the eggs all around the school campus. We did not tell anyone we were doing so, but the next day, we found out that it was a great success and many people found the candy-filled eggs with delight!
When I was younger, my parents would hide eggs all around our backyard as well and then as we got older, we started going to the city-wide Easter egg hunts at Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara. There kids from all over the town raced to get as many eggs as possible, some eggs would have candy, some eggs would have tickets to redeem for prizes. I always loved this and we would go with all our friends. The golden eggs in each arena would have extra big prizes too.
Easter has always been a time of traditions, as is any holiday. And easter egg hunts have been a tradition for many both in childhood and then in adulthood. I believe that many childhood traditions stay because when we all grow up and have kids, we then pass our childhood traditions to our kids, so in a way, we never stop hunting for eggs or trick or treating.