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November 28, 2023
National Nonprofit Urges Administration to Similarly Address Oral Health Access and Care
November 28, 2023 (Boston, MA) — Following President Biden’s announcement of new actions to lower health care costs for veterans, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, encouraged President Biden to continue to improve access and care for our nation's veterans — especially as it pertains to oral health.
CareQuest Institute CEO and President Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA, issued the following statement:
“We applaud President Biden in his efforts to lower costs and expand health care eligibility for veterans. This change will result in improved health outcomes for many of our nation’s veterans, but there’s still a lot of room to improve oral health care for roughly 19 million veterans living in the US.
“We know that oral health is inextricably linked to individual well-being, community health, and economic security. According to our research, roughly one-quarter of veterans surveyed said they had no dental coverage at all, so these veterans are left fronting the cost entirely out-of-pocket. This needs to change.
“To improve access and quality of care, we need to expand eligibility criteria for veterans to receive oral health services, expand the role of federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics, and advance medical-dental integration in overall veteran health care. Like President Biden, we believe that access to health care is a right not a privilege. We look forward to continuing our work with the Administration and other policymakers to expand upon these important improvements in veterans' health care access.”
CareQuest Institute and the American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH) research highlights disparities in veterans’ oral health.
A new visual report shows that improving dental care for veterans reduces costs, improves overall health, and stimulates the economy. The report includes firsthand accounts from veterans who are struggling to access oral health care. In 2021, CareQuest Institute and AIDPH also released a white paper focused on solutions supporting veterans’ oral health.
- The VA reports that 15% of veterans are eligible to access dental services through the VA health system.
- The majority of the 85% of veterans who are not eligible for dental care through the VA access dental insurance through an employer, through self-pay, or not at all, creating health risks and/or undue financial burden.
- Approximately 42% of veterans report having had gum treatment or bone loss around their teeth as compared to 27% of nonveterans.
- Roughly two in five, or 8 million veterans, describe their oral health as fair or poor.
- Nearly 24% of veterans live in rural areas, where consistent access to care can be challenging.
- Poor oral health has a direct link to higher risks of chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, dementia, hypertension, asthma, and more. It can also lead to greater instances of depression and other mental health diseases.
Direct Media Inquiries to:
Sara Ward
sward@carequest.org
314-276-6727
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About CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® is a national nonprofit championing a more equitable future where every person can reach their full potential through excellent health. We do this through our work in philanthropy, analytics and data insights, health transformation, policy and advocacy, and education as well as our leadership in dental benefits and innovation advancements. We collaborate with thought leaders, health care providers, patients, and local, state, and federal stakeholders, to accelerate oral health care transformation and create a system designed for everyone. To learn more, visit carequest.org and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.