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From roundtable discussions about applying silver diamine fluoride (SDF), to seminars highlighting the importance of expanding state Medicaid adult dental benefits, to connecting with attendees about the latest oral health research, CareQuest Institute will have a prominent presence at the National Oral Health Conference (NOHC). The 2023 conference is scheduled from Monday, April 17 to Wednesday, April 19 at the Double Tree by Hilton Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

Rural populations face many barriers when it comes to accessing oral health care, including cost, transportation, distance, and availability of providers. Right now, 70 million people who live in the US, or one in five people, live in “dental deserts” — areas where no or very few dentists practice. Marcia Brand, former strategic advisor for CareQuest Institute, knows the struggles that these populations face well, through her own personal and professional experience.

By Kelly Schroeder, RDH, MS Are you one of the dentists or dental hygienists who have a professional license in more than one state? If so, you are aware of the significant challenges and roadblocks of obtaining a professional license in another state — regardless of your education or experience.

Indigenous communities face several barriers to accessing oral health care. For American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) families who live on tribal lands, often in rural areas, a shortage of dental providers is a common hurdle.

By Chelsea Chokas, MSM, Program Specialist, CareQuest Institute

The oral health disparities American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) communities face can be traced back to the 15th century — when European settlers arrived in North America. Fast forward several hundred years, and AI/AN communities continue to battle striking inequities.

Elly Steel, DMD, MPH, says she and her colleagues at Cabarrus Health Alliance can easily identify the factors in their patients’ lives that affect their health just by observing and listening.

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately harmed Black, Hispanic, and other people of color, sparking renewed attention on America’s oral health disparities. While some communities face higher hurdles to good oral health than others, promising solutions exist to achieve greater equity. Policy and health care leaders can do more to advance equitable access to services, including in dental care.

Trinity Cleveland, RDH, was volunteering at the Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy (AZMOM), an annual two-day event that provides dental services to underserved populations. It was her ninth time helping at AZMOM.

Early oral health care is essential for all children. So, it’s good news that Medicaid mandates comprehensive dental coverage for enrolled children until they’re 21 years old. But families with low incomes confront a persistent challenge: having coverage doesn’t guarantee access to care. Data show that children enrolled in Medicaid are less likely to receive the early dental care they need. Thankfully, there are effective solutions that dental and medical professionals, oral health advocates, and others can advance to connect more Medicaid-enrolled children to care.