The Denver Post recently reported that about 335,000 Medicaid adults will gain access to dental care in the spring of 2014 and tens of thousands will be added to insurance rolls through Obamacare. In addition, there may be thousands of privately insured children who will have access to dental care as a result of the state health exchange.
The good news is that benefits will be available to more state residents. Surveys indicate that more than 30% of Colorado adults haven’t seen a dentist in the past year, and 20% to 25% of children have high levels of decay-inducing bacteria.
The bad news is there will not likely be enough dentists to service the new patients. Quite often, dentists are not willing to service the patients because of the bureaucracy, paperwork, and lack of revenue from the government funded programs.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Colorado had about 2,700 dental establishments in 2012. The Post article indicated there are about 3,600 dentists, based on statewide surveys and licensure records. Only about 1,000 are actively enrolled as Medicaid providers.
To address this challenge the article indicated the Colorado Dental Association is encouraging its members to accept at least 5 Medicaid patients in 2014. While CDA is to be commended for their efforts, the initial impact will be minimal. To improve overall access there is a pressing need to minimize the hassle of dealing with the state and federal programs.
Other approaches to address the shortage of dentists focus on prevention.
Special interest groups have taken a somewhat draconian approach to addressing the issue of dental hygiene by waging a war on sodas, sugar drinks, boxed cereal, and other foods with heavy sugar content. These efforts include such measures as lobbying for increased taxation on targeted foods and advocating boycotts and reduced availability of them.
A logical approach includes efforts to educate youngsters about the values of good dental hygiene. This includes programs and demonstrations by dentists and dental hygienists to advise younger patients about the benefits of caring for their teeth and how to do that in a disciplined manner. 
As well it includes fun, educational products such as the recently published children’s book, Lola and Sir Germs-a-Lot (Available on Amazon.com and Xlibris.com). The book tells a story of a young girl who became complacent about brushing her teeth – and she paid the price. Most parents and children can relate to Lola’s exploits. The author’s subtle approach provides a gentle reminder that kids must brush their teeth on a regular basis.
The bottom line is that proper dental hygiene is important to everybody and there are not enough dentists. Improved dental hygiene is a function of better diets, better prevention, and better access to quality dental care. Just ask Lola!
Sources: The Denver Post (“Flood of new dental patients in Colorado meets trickle of caregivers” November 29, 2013); Bureau of Labor Statistics.
©Copyright 2011 by CBER.