Dental professional shortage leads to oral health care disparities
The largest barrier to oral health care is the ratio of dental professionals to patients and the availability of services for uninsured and Medicaid patients, according to a new study by the University of Albany. In rural regions of New York, up to two-thirds of residents may face limited access to oral health care. In the study, investigators examined 15 sociodemographic indicators related to population, disability, pregnancy and education level in patients of all ages residing in New York state.
The investigators identified 31 high-need areas of New York, particularly in rural regions of the state. For instance, factors such as the dentist-to-population ratio and access to dental services among Medicaid and uninsured patients may create barriers to care.
In an interview with Spectrum News 1 reporters, Kathryn Rothas, D.D.S., a trustee with the New York State Dental Association, detailed that despite efforts to increase dental schools and dental class sizes, there continue to be shortages in dental professionals.
In response, the Seal-A-Smile program is working to address oral health care disparities among children by providing preventive dental services such as screenings and cleanings within schools. However, collaborative efforts within the dental community were recommended to develop novel targeted interventions, support and implement policy changes and further improve access to oral health care statewide.
“Specialists, public health, community health [and] private practitioners: We all really need to … find a way to come to the table and figure out what can we do,” said Dr. Rothas.
Read more: Spectrum News 1
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