Bootsy, Patti Collins to head county's first task force for oral health

Bootsy and Patti Collins want to save Cincinnati's smiles.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and his wife were announced as honorary co-chairs of the new Hamilton County Oral Health Coalition, which aims to improve and increase access to oral care.

It's a cause that hits close to home. The Collins' took up the issue in 2011 after their nephew, Kyle Willis, died from complications following a tooth infection at age 24.

For Willis, who didn't have health insurance, it was the choice between a cheaper pain pill over more expensive antibiotics that cost him his life. 

"He just thought he had a toothache, but it was a serious infection going on. And we didn't even know how long it was going on," Bootsy said.

"We as a family vowed never that this will never happen again," Patti said.

Since then, the Bootsy Collins Foundation spreads oral care awareness and gives out toothbrushes and toothpaste around Greater Cincinnati. 

Other members of the coalition include county public health officials, oral care groups and local dentists. 

Hamilton County Commission President Todd Portune likened oral care to a forgotten "step-child" in relation to healthcare. He hopes the new coalition will change that, and so do the Collins's.

"The mouth is the gateway to the rest of your health system. Take care of it," Patti said.

"It's also important to me because I smile a lot, I don't know if y'all noticed," Bootsy said, flashing a wide, gilded grin.