access to dental care

Spectrum News

A recent study by the University at Albany highlights significant gaps in oral health services across New York state, identifying 31 high-need areas, primarily in rural regions. The research, conducted by the Center for Health Workforce Studies, analyzed 15 sociodemographic indicators to assess needs across all age groups.

Dr. Jean Moore, the study’s lead researcher, noted that the biggest barriers include the ratio of dental professionals to the population and the availability of services for Medicaid patients and the uninsured.

“We looked at indicators related to the population, disability, pregnancy, and education level,” Moore said.

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Oral Health Kansas Newsletter

Elizabeth Mertz, PhD, a dental sociologist and associate professor at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry (UCSF), did research on the dental care gap. She discussed the challenges older adults face when trying to access dental care, as well as the ways four states (California, Florida, Minnesota and North Carolina) are trying to solve those challenges.

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