While the Majority of Voters Want Access to Dental Care, Politicians Continue to Avoid Tackling the Problem
More than half of adults in the United States struggle to access dental care, leaving millions without critical oral health services. Despite overwhelming public support for Medicare dental benefits, this issue remains a back-burner topic for political leaders.
A recent article in US Today reported that the dental care crisis in the US is continuing to deepen, with more than half of adults unable to access routine dental services. Untreated oral health issues contribute to poor overall health, increasing risks for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, dental care continues to be overlooked in political discourse, despite the clear demand from the public.
A 2024 CareQuest Institute poll reveals overwhelming support among US voters for adding dental benefits to Medicare. In fact, nine out of 10 voters, spanning both parties, agree that it’s time for Medicare to include dental coverage. Yet, neither Vice President Kamala Harris nor former President Donald Trump has made this a priority in their platforms. During a recent debate, their focus remained on broader issues like prescription drug costs and healthcare affordability, leaving dental care out of the conversation.
Millions of Americans are affected by this gap in healthcare. In 2023 alone, nearly 69 million adults lacked dental insurance or access to care. The situation worsened when Medicaid dental coverage began to unwind post-COVID-19. Seniors on Medicare are also facing barriers; nearly half had not seen a dentist in over a year due to a lack of coverage.
Efforts to remedy this gap are on the horizon. New bills are emerging in Congress to expand Medicare and Medicaid dental benefits. The Comprehensive Dental Care Reform Act of 2024, championed by Bernie Sanders and Rep. Debbie Dingell, seeks to expand coverage nationwide. However, neither bill has been scheduled for a vote yet.
Organizations, such as the American Dental Association, are backing these efforts, recognizing the dire need for affordable, comprehensive dental care. While politicians lag behind in prioritizing this issue, voters have made it clear: dental care should be a fundamental right, not a luxury. Click here to read more.
