CITIZENS: There is an urgent need for all of you to contact the offices of your governor, local senator and state representative.

You can obtain their phone numbers and addresses by calling Senator Information and House of Representatives Information, listed in the blue pages of your phone book under "State Government." Ask for the appropriate information to enable you to call, e-mail or write your local senator and state representative. The appropriate information for your governor can also be obtained from the same section.

Make a difference in your state's denture health care system! Let all three parties know that state law restricts its citizens from the opportunity to choose the direct services of a denture care specialist (denturist).

Let them know that under current state law, citizens are forced to pay the middleman (dentist) two and three times the cost for denture care compared to seeing a denturist. Dentists are well trained in dentistry; but have little or no training in the fitting and fabrication of dentures. Due to their lack of training in fitting dentures, millions of denture wearers suffer consequences. According to a study by the Federal Trade Commission, many denture wearers suffer from severe jaw pain and even malnutrition, thus they are not living the quality of life they deserve. If you are one of these, make sure to let your voice be heard, because many state dental boards have tampered with the true number of denture complaints in order to protect the cruel monopoly of their peers. Let them know you deserve freedom of choice in denture care.