By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
Dental care in America divides people into two camps: those who can afford regular preventive care and cleanings, and those who can’t.
These so-called dental deserts contribute to a deep disparity in overall health. People who live in these places are more likely to get tooth decay and develop severe health problems. They also spend more money on care, and more time seeking health assistance in an emergency.
Stat: 25 million. That’s how many US residents live in areas without enough dentists, according to a recent Harvard University study.
A growing movement against fluoride is adding to the risk of tooth decay in these “dental deserts.” (NPR)
Dental exams and cleanings should be covered under core medical plans as preventative medicine. Endodontics, crowns, inlays, onlays, braces and fillings can be covered outside the core plan on a capitated basis facilitated through a local dentist with capacity.
