This document discusses oral health and access to dental care in the United States and Pennsylvania. It notes that over 47 million Americans live in areas with limited dental care access, including 17 million low-income children who did not receive any dental care in a year. It also discusses declining adult dental visits, a shortage of dental professionals in Pennsylvania, and reduced Medicaid dental benefits for adults in the state. The document provides tips on maintaining good oral hygiene, accessing low-cost dental care options, and understanding dental visits and screenings.

1. Oral Health: Why it Matters and What
You Need to Know
Melissa Allen, ACHIEVA Disability Healthcare Initiative
and Nora Lugaila, PHDHP with Pittsburgh Mercy Health System

2. ▶ More than 47 million people in the U.S. live where it is
difficult to access dental care.
▶ About 17 million low-income U.S. children received no
dental care in a single year.
▶ One fourth of all adults in the U.S. ages 65 and older have
lost all of their teeth.
▶ In 2012 the Pew Charitable Trust reported that dental
conditions accounted for nearly 840,000 emergency room
visits costing $858.9 million.
▶ Adult dental visits are declining for
◦ those living at 100% of the poverty level by 40%
◦ those at 400% of the poverty level by 12%.
Across the United States

3. ▶ According to PA Department of Human Services, 55
areas in PA are experiencing a shortage of dental
professionals.
▶ 31% of dental professionals are between the ages of
50-60.
▶ In 2011 the adult dental benefits in Medicaid were
reduced in Pennsylvania.
▶ Children have dental coverage through Medicaid and
CHIP plans but only 42.6% are getting preventative
services that are covered.
Across Pennsylvania

4. ▶ Almost 63% of the children drink bottled water on a
daily basis which rarely contains fluoride.
▶ 67% of Pennsylvania adults indicated in 2014 that they
visited a dentist in the past year
▶ 49% of adults have had permanent teeth removed
Why it Matters

5. ▶ Advocate for your municipal water supply to be
fluoridated which reduces dental decay
▶ Practice Good Oral Hygiene….
◦ Brushing, flossing, nutrition
▶ Visit your dental provider
◦ Where can I access low cost care
What Can You Do

6. ▶ Preventive Care
◦ Brushing 2x a day
◦ Flossing or using other interdental tools
◦ Fluoride mouthwash
◦ Professional dental cleanings at least twice a year
◦ Healthy Eating
◦ Drinking water
What is good oral health?

7. ▶ Oral Cancer Screening
▶ X-rays
▶ Prophylaxis
▶ Exam
◦ Screen for gum disease
◦ Diagnose decay
What to Expect at a Dental cleaning
appointment

8. Why does Nutrition Matter?

9. Healthy Teeth…Healthy Body

10. Some dental schools have clinics where students treat
patients at a reduced cost
University of Pittsburgh Dental School
and The Center for Patients with Special Needs
County Health Departments often offer dental services
in some of their clinics
Allegheny County Health Department
Federally-Qualified Health Center or Community Health
Clinics often offer care based on your income
http://www.fqhc.org/find-an-fqhc
How Can You Access Care

11. Ask your provider help you access the Benefit Limits
exception process to get medically necessary treatment
for oral health issues
Managed Care insurers are expected to help consumers
with this process
Medically-Necessary Benefit Limit
Exception

12. Your Oral Health Questions?