STAT: Lawmakers Should Act on the Evidence and Expand Access to Dental Therapists

Not having access to dental care can lead to serious oral and overall health issues, not to mention more intensive care later on. Poor oral health can lead to unrelenting pain, lower lifetime earnings, bankruptcy related to the cost of care, and, tragically, even death.

Nearly 70 million Americans live in areas with a shortage of dental providers. Access is especially limited for those who receive their dental coverage through Medicaid, because only about one-third of dentists accept that insurance.

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