The Seattle Times has correctly identified a major health problem in Washington: how dental insurance practices limit access to high-quality, affordable oral health care [“Seattle-area dental insurance is ‘like a joke.’ But few are smiling,” June 14, Business].

The American Dental Association, Washington State Dental Association and local dental societies are committed to increasing access to care for everyone in the state. Our members participate in free clinics around the state, and on any given day in Washington, you’ll find dentists visiting schools, traveling to underserved communities in mobile clinics, or in their offices, providing uncompensated care to those in need.

We both have provided volunteer care and know firsthand what a difference dental care can make in people’s lives. But volunteer efforts alone are not enough to solve this problem.