US Faces Dental Care Crisis for Low-Income Adults

Star Quinn moved to Kingsport, Tennessee, in 2023, the same year the state began covering dental costs for about 600,000 low-income adults enrolled in Medicaid. However, Quinn could not find a local dentist who accepted her insurance and was taking new patients when she chipped a tooth.

Years later, Quinn still struggles to find a dentist, highlighting a broader issue for low-income adults. While the federal government mandates dental coverage for children on Medicaid, adult coverage is optional for states. Many states have expanded these benefits, but progress remains slow, with fewer than 1 in 4 adults on Medicaid seeing a dentist annually.

Federal budget cuts, projected to exceed $900 billion over the next decade, could force some states to reduce or eliminate these dental benefits. This potential rollback alarms policy researchers, who fear losing the progress made. For example, Tennessee's Medicaid program saw a 20% decrease in dental-related ER visits after expanding coverage, but faces significant federal funding losses.

Nationwide, only 41% of dentists participate in Medicaid, and many limit the number of patients they treat. Low reimbursement rates deter dentists, leading to "dental deserts" like in southwestern Virginia, where a community dental center has thousands on its waitlist. These barriers extend beyond tooth pain, impacting overall health and daily life, such as job applications.

In contrast, some states are actively promoting access. New Hampshire, which previously covered only emergencies, has increased provider lists and uses mobile units and advertising. Maryland, having enhanced benefits in 2023, sees about 1 in 5 adults on Medicaid visiting a dentist, though cultural habits of infrequent dental visits persist.