Problem:
Despite decades of research about the importance of dental health and the repercussions of neglecting teeth and gums, many Americans still lack access to the dental care they need. Only 63% of American adults saw a dentist in the last year. More alarming? Over 25% of young and middle-aged adults have untreated cavities, and almost half of adults over the age of 30 have gum disease.
While these seem like dental health issues on the surface, they have much larger implications. Evidence about how oral health affects overall health abounds. The bacteria that cause gum disease, cavities, and other common oral health issues can cause harm in other parts of the body. Evidence suggests a connection between oral health and heart disease, pneumonia, Alzheimer’s, and different types of dementia.
Reducing the risk of these serious illnesses is a public health concern that government officials, nonprofit organizations, and other healthcare stakeholders must prioritize. A special focus must be on those who can’t afford dental care or who lack access to dental offices in their community. Mobile health units, like those offered by Solvere Health, may be the answer for the dental care needs of underserved communities.
Benefits of Regular Dental Care
Regular dental exams can improve the health and quality of life many people experience. Studies show that people who get regular dental exams experience fewer cavities and tooth loss than those who don’t. And when they have oral health concerns that need a dental professional’s assistance (like tooth decay and gum disease), it’s caught and treated earlier.
There are also other benefits to routine dental care. With a healthier smile, patients may experience a boost in their self-confidence, making it easier to excel socially and professionally.
Effects of Poor Oral Health on Overall Health
Experiencing poor dental health poses a unique challenge for patients of all ages. In the short term, it may cause pain and discomfort, making it difficult to eat, speak, or even sleep. However, the long-term impact is even more devastating.
Infection-causing bacteria in the mouth can travel to other parts of the body, causing many issues along the way. With the increasing prevalence of heart disease and dementia (both linked to bacteria that cause poor dental health), it’s time to act. Increasing access to good dental care may decrease chronic health issues and improve overall public health.
Barriers to Quality Dental Care
Over one-third of American adults don’t have access to dental insurance. This lack of coverage does pose a significant barrier to equitable dental care. But it’s not the only obstacle preventing Americans from optimal dental health. Shortages of dental health professionals also make it difficult for people to take care of their teeth.
Nearly 7,000 communities across the United States don’t have enough dental professionals. Over 4,600 of these areas are rural, where it’s difficult to entice dental and healthcare professionals to live. This deprives patients of dental care and health education that helps them care for their teeth.
Sustainable Dental Care Solutions for Designated Clinician Shortage Areas
Providing access to high-quality dental care is all of our responsibility. Seventy-five percent of the regions designated as dental health professional shortage areas are rural. Publicly-funded initiatives offering low-cost dental care are sustainable and adaptable approaches to filling gaps in communities that need it most.
Federal, State, and corporate decision-makers who choose a group health event partner like Solvere Health can rest assured that patients are in the best hands. We provide end-to-end preventive dental care solutions to rural and other underserved patients in three ways:
- Pop-up dental clinics
- Mobile units
- Strategically placed dental offices
Collaborating with local and grassroots organizations in each community helps us build culturally-considerate dental care programs that make a difference. Our highly trained teams address dental health issues with skill and empathy, while delivering robust dental health education. This approach helps patients improve their oral health one community at a time.
Scope, strategize, and advance your community dental health mission with an expertly delivered group health event. Contact Solvere Health today.