As older adults face a higher risk of root decay due to medication, health conditions, poor diet, and inadequate oral hygiene, the need for accessible oral health services and caregiver education has never been more critical.

In another study, published in April, scientists found that diabetics who were treated for periodontal disease saw their overall health care costs decrease by 12 to 14 percent.

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By Kelly Schroeder, RDH, MS

Are you one of the dentists or dental hygienists who have a professional license in more than one state? If so, you are aware of the significant challenges and roadblocks of obtaining a professional license in another state — regardless of your education or experience.

Heightened sensory sensitivities. Communication difficulties. Increased anxiety. 

Autistic individuals face unique challenges before and during dental visits, which can create barriers to receiving critical oral health care. How can providers address these challenges and create an inclusive and supportive care environment?

Indigenous communities face several barriers to accessing oral health care. For American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) families who live on tribal lands, often in rural areas, a shortage of dental providers is a common hurdle.

A white paper recently published by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health^®, Society of American Indian Dentists, and National Indian Health Board’s Tribal Oral Health Initiative shows that American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities suffer greatly when it comes to oral health. The paper “American Indian and Alaska Native Communities Face a ‘Disproportionate Burden of Oral Disease’” also provides recommendations on how oral health disparities in these communities can best be alleviated. Some of the findings include:

A white paper recently published by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health^®, Society of American Indian Dentists, and National Indian Health Board’s Tribal Oral Health Initiative shows that American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities suffer greatly when it comes to oral health. The paper “American Indian and Alaska Native Communities Face a ‘Disproportionate Burden of Oral Disease’” also provides recommendations on how oral health disparities in these communities can best be alleviated. Some of the findings include:

Many Americans pay out of pocket to cover dental costs — or avoid dental care altogether. Nearly 80 million Americans don’t have dental insurance, according to a 2022 report by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health(opens in new tab). And in 2022, more adults identified cost as a reason they are likely to avoid dental care altogether (43%) than in 2021 (38%), the report says. 

The white paper, written by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, the Society of American Indian Dentists, and the National Indian Health Board’s Tribal Oral Health Initiate, includes findings from a new State of Oral Health Equity in America survey that included data from more than 550 American Indian and Alaska Native respondents.