The Indiana Youth Institute reports that more than half of Hoosier children have a history of tooth decay in their permanent teeth, and a recent federal report shows Indiana kids on Medicaid are not getting the recommended care.
The problem goes beyond a dislike for the dentist's drill. Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases in children.
Indiana Public Broadcasting’s Jill Sheridan takes a look at efforts to get more of the state's children into the dentist’s chair.