Access to oral health care in the Georgia prison system

Kandyce J. Mack, Marie Collins

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution establishes the basis for inmates' rights to health care and includes both routine and emergency medical, dental and psychiatric treatment. According to Georgia's Correctional Standards of Health Care, inmates should receive a dental examination within 30 days of incarceration, instructions in oral hygiene and other care by a dentist when medically necessary. The July, August and September 2011 Georgia Department of Corrections' profiles of active inmates in the Georgia prison system reveal a need for both dental and dental hygiene services. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the access to oral health care of inmates in the Georgia prison system. Potential barriers to dental and dental hygiene services are identified and suggestions are offered to improve access to care for inmates.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)271-274
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of dental hygiene : JDH / American Dental Hygienists' Association
Volume87
Issue number5
StatePublished - Oct 1 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • health services cccessibility
  • oral health
  • prisoners
  • standard of care

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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