The current system encourages the practitioner to participate only until the loans have been repaid. No incentive exists for the dentist to remain in the underserved area when reimbursements are substantially less than in more affluent areas. Medicaid provider reimbursement must be set at levels that are reasonable and equitable in order to increase the number of Medicaid dental providers. There must be more emphasis placed on community educational information programs to increase oral health awareness. The utilization pattern of Medicaid recipients indicates that even when access to care is not a barrier, other factors contribute to limited utilization.
Collaborative efforts are essential to galvanizing leadership and increasing effectiveness.
The dental profession needs an innovative public relations campaign to improve its image. A more positive image of dentistry would greatly improve utilization patterns and also enhance recruitment efforts. Licensure reciprocity is required to improve access in underserved areas. Practitioners must have the flexibility to locate and relocate to areas of greatest need. Dental schools must offer core courses in Cultural Competency in order to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population.