{"id":20486,"date":"2023-05-10T10:12:31","date_gmt":"2023-05-10T15:12:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20486"},"modified":"2023-07-19T11:33:34","modified_gmt":"2023-07-19T16:33:34","slug":"inequality-in-dental-care-problems-and-possible-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/inequality-in-dental-care-problems-and-possible-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"Inequality in Dental Care: Problems and Possible Solutions"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor oral health is a significant problem in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/oralhealth\/fast-facts\/cavities\/index.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one in four adults has an untreated cavity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/oralhealth\/conditions\/index.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More than 80% of people will have at least one cavity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by age 34. What\u2019s more alarming is how <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/oralhealth\/basics\/adult-oral-health\/index.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this proportion varies among different demographics<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The impact of poor oral health goes beyond bad teeth. Poor dental hygiene can lead to chronic pain, difficulty eating, and self-esteem problems. Continuously neglecting your teeth, gums, and dental routine can also lead to more serious consequences like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/can-bad-dental-habits-cause-heart-disease\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">heart disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/diabetes\/managing\/diabetes-oral-health.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diabetes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/oral-health-and-memory-disorders-a-guide-for-caregivers-2\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">decline in brain health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to reduce the impact of poor oral health \u2014 and the inequalities that come with it. Solutions include affordable dental care, community water treatment facilities, and school-based curriculums.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>The various disparities in oral health<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite recent progress, certain populations continue to face significant obstacles in receiving oral health treatment. These disparities can be driven by factors like income, location, education, race\/ethnicity, and age.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some of the most striking <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7125002\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">disparities in modern oral health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sma.org\/abstracts\/periodontitis\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">African American and Mexican American populations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> experience higher rates of untreated dental damage and periodontitis, compared to non-Hispanic white Americans.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3134506\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">African American and Hispanic populations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have lower dental insurance coverage rates, compared to non-Hispanic white Americans.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carequest.org\/system\/files\/CareQuest_Institute_American-Indian-and-Alaska-Native-Communities_4.3.23_0.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Indian and Alaska Native adults<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> face the highest rates for total tooth loss and untreated dental caries, compared to other racial groups.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children between the ages of 6 and 19 from low-income households are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/oralhealth\/oral_health_disparities\/index.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15% less likely to get sealants<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and twice as likely to have untreated cavities, compared with children from higher-income families.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nchs\/products\/databriefs\/db368.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adults 65 and older<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have higher tooth-loss rates, compared to younger age groups.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/journalofethics.ama-assn.org\/article\/eight-ways-mitigate-us-rural-health-inequity\/2022-01\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rural populations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are less likely to have dental insurance, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcbs.com\/the-health-of-america\/articles\/bringing-better-dental-care-rural-america\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more likely to have untreated dental issues<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, compared to urban populations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19202262\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Residents of some Southern and Appalachian regions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the United States experience higher oral cancer rates, compared to other regions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These disparities persist in the United States. They affect certain populations more than others, and leave many at a disadvantage in accessing basic health resources.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>The unequal landscape of oral healthcare<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several different factors contribute to the unequal landscape of oral healthcare in the United States. Together, these factors can make it more difficult \u2014 sometimes impossible \u2014 for certain populations to access reliable health care.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some of the factors that contribute to these disparities:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20220622005664\/en\/New-Report-77-Million-Adults-Do-Not-Have-Dental-Insurance\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of dental insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, particularly for low-income families and ethnic minorities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chcs.org\/media\/Medicaid-Adult-Dental-Benefits-Overview-Appendix_091519.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Varying levels of Medicaid dental coverage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> across different states.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/medicare\/issue-brief\/medicare-and-dental-coverage-a-closer-look\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lack of comprehensive dental coverage<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from Medicare.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Concentrations of dental practices in urban areas, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.communitydentalpartners.com\/articles\/dental-care-in-rural-communities\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">without sufficient coverage for rural communities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9378852\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uneven distribution of in-school dental screenings<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/oralhealth\/dental_sealant_program\/school-sealant-programs.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">school sealant programs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral health disparities arise from a complicated set of factors. Socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity, age, and location can all affect a person\u2019s access to reliable treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>The impacts of untreated oral health problems<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Untreated oral health problems can seriously impact physical and mental health, communication, education, and career trajectory.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some other ways untreated dental problems can affect life:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poor oral health has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentalhealth.org\/news\/gum-disease-doubles-stroke-risk-according-to-new-study\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stroke<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and other conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflammation in the mouth, particularly through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.colgate.com\/en-us\/oral-health\/gum-disease\/what-is-periodontal-disease\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gum disease<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, has been linked to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smile101.com\/how-gum-disease-affects-your-body\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inflammation in other parts of the body<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These same problems are also <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/why-good-oral-health-can-reduce-the-chance-of-serious-illness\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">linked to a range of chronic diseases<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including respiratory disease and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5753495\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">osteoporosis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Oral health challenges can make it more difficult to communicate effectively.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children with tooth pain or other issues may miss school due to discomfort. This can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3222359\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">decrease their academic performance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and reduce the potential for educational advancement.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adults with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/health-topics\/oral-health#tab=tab_1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">poor oral health<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may experience <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5546847\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">challenges in finding and retaining employment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 or advancing in their careers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dental problems can negatively impact self-esteem, socialization habits, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5535498\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">overall well-being<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The consequences of poor oral health can affect nearly every phase of life. Addressing these problems can have a directly positive effect on wellness and quality of life.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Possible solutions to oral health disparities<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Addressing disparities in oral health will require a comprehensive approach, including expanded access to affordable dental care, tools that help people find care, and equal representation in dental care. Solutions should also address social determinants that affect health outcomes across every population.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Expand education on oral health<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many people lack the knowledge to maintain good oral health. This can lead to bad habits and create lasting problems. Education is a great first step in improving outcomes in health awareness and action. It can also help people understand different options when <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/your-guide-to-paying-for-dental-care\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">paying for dental care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increasing education gives people an active role in their own well-being. This can encourage preventative treatment before issues arise or grow worse. These habits are often simple, like brushing teeth and flossing, but are important over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Provide tools to help people find care<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technology can further improve people\u2019s access to reliable oral health care. For example, telehealth and tele-dentistry can provide dental consultations and remote treatment for people in urban locations. Remote telehealth dental appointments can make it easier for underserved populations to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/dentists\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">visit a dentist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Education can also help people access dental care. People deserve education about available dental services \u2014 what they are, how much they cost, and how they can improve quality of life. This same education can offer information on dental insurance and help people navigate the healthcare system to find valuable resources.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Encourage more equal representation in dental care<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.org\/publications\/ada-news\/2021\/april\/hpi-publishes-findings-into-racial-disparities-in-oral-health\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Racial disparities still persist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the dental profession. The lack of diversity in dental communities is well-documented. Racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals from low-income backgrounds, are underrepresented in the field. This lack of diversity can lead to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com\/article\/cultivating-cultural-competency-in-the-dental-setting\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reduced cultural competency<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and reduce community access to dental care.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One way to address this lack of diversity is to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.statnews.com\/2022\/12\/09\/dentistry-diversity-problem\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increase recruitment of underrepresented individuals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This can include intentional outreach to individuals from diverse backgrounds. It might also include scholarships or other financial incentives that make education possible for traditionally underrepresented populations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another approach includes improving cultural training for dental professionals. This would help members of the dental community better understand diverse patient populations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Push for new policies<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medicare and other policies play an important role in promoting equal access to health services. Today, many employers <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journalofethics.ama-assn.org\/article\/time-dental-care-be-considered-essential-us-health-care-policy\/2022-01\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">do not consider dental care an essential right<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for their workforce. This can make it more difficult for employees of all backgrounds to receive the treatment they need. Registering dental care as an essential service under U.S. health care policy could help address that disparity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other policies could increase funding for community health centers that offer dental services. These centers often serve low-income families in underrepresented areas. This process could involve increasing the number of grants available to community health centers. It could also incentivize local dentists to work with members of underserved communities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Policies that regulate tax incentives could also incentivize dentists to work with underserved communities. This could involve providing tax credits for dentists who work in underserved areas. Loan repayment programs could also cover debts for dentists who commit to working in certain areas for a particular amount of time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Keep improving technology<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/why-affordable-dental-care-can-be-so-hard-to-find\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Affordable dental care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can sometimes be hard to find. Technology offers strong potential to make dental care more accessible, particularly to people living in remote geographic areas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tele-dentistry can help patients connect with dental professionals through the internet, creating opportunities for virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring. Digital health records achieve the same goal, allowing dental specialists to collect, protect, and share patient information with other healthcare professionals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technology also allows for online dental marketplaces. These websites can help people pay for a dentist without dental insurance. You can compare prices and dental service quality across multiple dentists, to find an affordable office for you and your family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Need a doctor? Find one on <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/\"><b>Zocdoc<\/b><\/a><b>.\u00a0<\/b><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Certain populations face significant, ongoing obstacles in receiving oral health treatment.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":20487,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[227],"tags":[245,244,56,93,83],"class_list":["post-20486","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","tag-dentistry","tag-preventative-care","tag-primary-care","tag-public-health","tag-wellness","reviewer-dr-nassim-assefi"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Inequality in Dental Care: Problems and Possible Solutions - Guides<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Certain populations face significant, ongoing obstacles in receiving oral health treatment, obstacles that can be alleviated through expanding dental education, implementing new legislative policies, improving technology, and providing resources that help people find care.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/inequality-in-dental-care-problems-and-possible-solutions\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Inequality in Dental Care: Problems and Possible Solutions - 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