In order to increase access to oral health services, states need to improve provider incentives by creating loan forgiveness programs, providing tax incentives, increasing reimbursement rates for providers, and increasing flexibility in licensure and scope of practice to encourage dentists to practice in underserved areas. States have the opportunity to provide dental care to low-income individuals through Medicaid and CHIP . Although the federal government sets broad national guidelines, states have the authority to design programs according to their needs. To improve access to care under Medicaid and CHIP, states can broaden eligibility criteria to cover an increased number of adults and children, thereby making oral health services more financially available. Oral health services need to include both emergency and preventive care in order to reduce oral health problems .
Water fluoridation contributes greatly to reducing dental caries .
In recent years, limited funding for oral health programs has led to reduced funding for water fluoridation programs.