As a new presidential administration takes office, I write on behalf of the American Dental Association (ADA), representing over 159,000 dental professionals, to emphasize an urgent issue that affects the health and well-being of millions across the United States: oral health.
Oral health is integral to overall health. While discussions about healthcare often center on medical conditions, it is essential to recognize that oral health forms the foundation of physical, mental, and social wellness. A growing body of research, including studies from the ADA’s Forsyth Institute and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, has established a clear link between oral health and numerous systemic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.
Consider the debilitating consequences of untreated oral health issues: difficulty chewing food, speaking, and smiling due to pain, infection, or missing teeth. The impact on quality of life cannot be overstated.
Unfortunately, millions of Americans are currently suffering from poor oral health. Many neglect their dental care, while others face overwhelming barriers to accessing dental services, including high treatment costs and insufficient insurance coverage.
It is time for a shift in how America approaches dental care and dental insurance.
The ADA, as the leading voice for oral health, is committed to working alongside policymakers to bring about meaningful changes that improve oral health access. Ensuring broader access to affordable dental care is not just about enhancing smiles — it is about improving lives. Expanding dental coverage in public health programs like Medicaid, supporting dental education, and including oral health services in medical insurance plans are all critical steps toward providing essential care to millions of Americans.
Poor oral health is not only a health concern but also a significant barrier to education, employment, and even military readiness. According to the CDC, poor oral health causes more than 34 million school hours to be missed each year. For workers, emergency dental care accounts for over 92 million lost work hours annually. Additionally, oral health is a critical factor in the military’s fitness assessments, and a 2022 study revealed that 10.6% of National Guard and Army Reserve soldiers were unfit for deployment due to oral health issues.
These realities underscore the urgent need to elevate oral health as a national priority. We urge the new administration to consider the far-reaching impact of oral health on broader societal issues and to advocate for policies that increase access to dental care, particularly for underserved communities. Only by addressing this issue can we ensure a healthier, more productive nation.
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