A third of Dane County residents do not have dental insurance. This means that a third of the County s residents are more likely to use episodic dental care and are less likely to utilize preventive services. There is inadequate utilization and understanding of the value of preventive dental care. Dental disease is a chronic problem among low-income populations. In addition to socioeconomic barriers, minority status is a significant barrier to receiving dental care.
Dental access is a national problem with a very real local impact.
Community-wide solutions are needed to address the dental access problem. Dental access is associated with dental insurance and having sufficient dental providers in a geographic area. If dental problems are untreated, serious dental disease can occur which may have a detrimental effect on overall body systems. Heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia, premature birth, and systemic infections have all been linked to oral infections. Adult oral health concerns include periodontal disease, decay, and oral cancer.