COLUMBUS, Ohio — Struggles accessing dental care persist among Medicaid-covered families in southern Ohio, particularly in the Appalachian region, where challenges extend beyond mere insurance coverage.
Despite being Medicaid beneficiaries, families in southern Ohio grapple with limited access to dental services, reflecting a broader issue of scarcity of dental providers. The state of Ohio identifies 81 areas lacking sufficient dental professionals to cater to residents’ needs, with a notable concentration of these shortages in its 32 Appalachian counties, some of which count fewer than 10 practicing dentists.
Compounding the problem is Ohio’s ranking of 41st out of 50 states in Medicaid reimbursement rates for dental services. This discourages many dentists from accepting Medicaid patients, exacerbating the difficulty for families in finding accessible care.
The ramifications of this dental care deficit are significant, extending beyond oral health. Barriers such as transportation limitations, insurance restrictions, costs, dental anxiety, and inadequate education on oral hygiene contribute to a cycle of unmet dental needs. Neglected dental care can precipitate various health issues.
Amid these challenges, some relief emerges from federally qualified health centers across Ohio. Nearly 500 sites, spanning 76 counties, offer essential dental services. Of these, 43 centers specifically cater to dental care, serving as a lifeline for those facing hurdles in accessing treatment.
However, advocates stress the need for more comprehensive solutions. Marla Morse, executive director at Oral Health Ohio, underscores the critical role of dental care in overall health, urging sustained efforts to address the issue. While Ohio’s endeavors to expand Medicaid and enhance dental care access represent positive steps, advocates emphasize the ongoing necessity for further action to ensure equitable dental health for all residents.
