Nebraska dentist visits Obama

The White House included a Nebraska pediatric dentist among the doctors who attended an address by U.S. Pres. Barack Obama October 5 in the Rose Garden, according to a report by KHAS-TV television channel.

Obama argued for healthcare reform and touted a directive he issued to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to fund state programs that explore means of ensuring patient safety while limiting medical malpractice lawsuits, according to The Hill Web site.

The White House said over 150 doctors attended the ceremony, including some from the American Medical Association, which has endorsed the Obama's healthcare reform proposals. The White House did not release a complete list of the doctors who attended or an explanation of how they were selected, but KHAS-TV reported that Nebraska dentist Jessica Meeske, D.D.S., was among them.

Dr. Meese, who has offices in Hastings and Grand Island, serves on the staff of Lanning Memorial Hospital and the University of Nebraska. KHAS-TV credited her with helping organize dental clinics for the uninsured.

"There are many kids in my own practice that suffer needlessly," she said in a video posted on the channel's Web site. "And it's very difficult and too costly for them to get the dental care that they need."

According to the video, she supports Obama's healthcare reform proposals, but also understands the opposition's point of view.

"I do think we will see some major healthcare reform," she said. "I think the question just becomes how much is everyone comfortable with and what is everyone willing to pay for."