December 29, 2021
Sen. Edward Markey and Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, president and CEO of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, make the case for expanding Medicare to cover dental care, vision, and hearing services. Read it here.
December 28, 2021
In 2021, we created a series of blog posts that highlights individuals who are working to improve the oral health system. From providers and policymakers to advocates and patients, our goal is to provide a snapshot of the backgrounds, ideas, successes, challenges, and daily lives of people who are making oral health care more accessible, equitable, and integrated.
December 21, 2021
When Bosco Jerez returned from Iraq, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dental care wasn’t his top priority.
“During that time, I didn’t take care of my teeth like I should have been because I had other things on my mind,” says Jerez, a veteran from Virginia. “And of course, I didn’t have dental insurance to take care of it.”
December 21, 2021
Boston, MA — Following recent developments in Washington, DC, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health stressed the importance of passing the Build Back Better Act to lower health care costs, improve access, and promote equity for millions of people across the country.
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health CEO and President Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan issued the following statement:
December 17, 2021
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH) issued several strategic recommendations to improve veteran oral health, highlighting a worrying gap in care and access.
Compared to nonveterans, veterans are more likely to experience worse oral health outcomes, including higher rates of tooth decay, higher rates of gum disease, and an increased need for restorative dental care.
December 16, 2021
Roughly 19 million veterans live in the US, comprising about 6% of the total population. Those veterans are more likely to experience worse oral health outcomes — higher rates of tooth decay, higher rates of gum disease, and an increased need for restorative dental care — compared to nonveterans.
A new white paper from CareQuest Institute and the American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH) aims to shine a light on the social, structural, and individual drivers of these outcomes.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection that causes all cervical cancers and 70% of oropharyngeal cancers. HPV vaccines are available and effective — they have the potential to prevent 90% of HPV-related cancers. However, only half of adolescents ages 13–17 are vaccinated.
Teledentistry is a tool that has been used for several decades with the potential to transform oral health care delivery. It can improve oral health by helping to reduce barriers that have kept people from accessing oral health care, such as cost, time, distance, and availability of providers.
During the last three decades, the use of teledentistry has expanded as dental providers have explored innovative ways to reach patients. In the last 18 months, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated that expansion — revealing new and creative approaches. That increased awareness and use prompted the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors to assemble a Best Practice Approach Report to explore next steps in ensuring widespread use of teledentistry.
December 15, 2021
Boston, MA — Today, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH) issued several strategic recommendations to improve veteran oral health, highlighting a worrying gap in care and access.
Compared to nonveterans, veterans are more likely to experience worse oral health outcomes, including higher rates of tooth decay, higher rates of gum disease, and an increased need for restorative dental care.