Many Virginians don't have health insurance, but that number is dwarfed by those who can't afford oral health care.
Because poor dental hygiene also leads to other health problems, Virginia lawmakers are now studying the most feasible ways to address the problem.
Besides the fact that dental pain interferes with eating, sleeping, and daily activities, oral disease can greatly increase the negative effects of diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and respiratory infection. Senior Health Policy Analyst Dr. Michele Chesser also tells the Joint Commission on Health Care that roughly half of Virginians can't afford dental care.
A map of the Virginia Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas reveals that nearly half of the state is affected.
While there are health centers, free clinics, and grants to cushion existing dental safety nets, funding is still a major problem. Medicaid provides full benefits to children but only emergency care for adults.
Lawmakers are reviewing options to help mitigate the costs and expand access to more people. They would also like to improve public awareness about changing oral hygiene habits—and perhaps expand oral health education in the schools.