Barriers preventing access to dental care may be a complex issue
Tens of millions of Americans may be without dental insurance, but even some of those with insurance may struggle to afford necessary care and out-of-pocket expenses, according to an article in USA Today. Despite providing medical coverage through the Affordable Care Act in 2014, federal law doesn’t provide dental insurance for adults.
Many dental practices may have to reject patients without means of paying for care because they would otherwise be unable to cover operating, hygienist, office worker and equipment costs. Further, some dental providers may be working toward paying off debts incurred during dental school.
However, dentists often provide discounted or free care to patients. For instance, in 2018, the ADA Health Policy Institute reported $800 million in discounted care and $1.6 billion in free care.
With nearly 70 million U.S. adults without dental insurance, many legislators are seeking solutions to improve dental care access — including expanding dental coverage through Medicare, Medicaid and the Veterans Administration and increasing the number of practicing dentists and dental hygienists.
But these solutions may not be enough to resolve complex in dental access. Dr. Kessler said that as costs rise, dental insurance coverage often becomes more limited, creating barriers to dental care among many Americans.
“That’s the ridiculousness of the dental insurance model. Why can’t dentists offer the finest dentistry has to offer for our patients, yet medicine can? It makes no sense,” said Brett H. Kessler, D.D.S., president-elect of the ADA.
Read more: USA Today
The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.