Editor’s note: Two articles written independently but related to the broad topic of caring for special patients spurred an unprecedented—and largely unexpected—response, mainly from nondentists, many of them working with the mentally ill. The articles that triggered this outpouring: "Bipolar I Disorder: Psychopathology, Medical Management and Dental Implications," by Drs. Arthur and Ida Friedlander and Dr. Stephen Marder, September JADA; "Providing Dental Care for Special Patients: Tips for the General Dentist," by Dr. Larry Lawton, December JADA. What follows is a representative sampling of the more than 30 much-appreciated letters received in response to these two articles.
Thanks much for your article[s] about treating people with mental illness. It showed a high level of intelligence, understanding and, more importantly, compassion.
You may be aware that getting proper dental care is a major problem across the nation for mentally ill people receiving Medicaid. I wish we and U.S. dentists would work together to resolve it. Even in advanced, progressive Madison—considered a model community for treatment of mental illness—dental care for mentally ill poor people is a serious problem. If the solution is higher Medicaid payments to dentists, we must work for it immediately.
Thanks again for your fine article[s].
