In the News

According to CareQuest Institute for Oral Health’s 2024 State of Oral Health Equity in America (SOHEA) survey, an alarming 27% of US adults, roughly 72 million people, do not have dental insurance. This figure stands in stark contrast to the 9.5% of adults without health insurance, highlighting a persistent and growing coverage gap that...

As federal funding for health care faces growing uncertainty, dental leaders are raising a critical question: How will shifting policies impact access and care delivery? Becker’s Dental & DSO Review breaks down the latest developments with our Senior Director of Public Policy, Melissa Burroughs, and what they mean for dental practices...

As state budgets face severe impacts, CareQuest Institute is deeply concerned that optional dental benefits will be the first services cut. Oral health is crucial for overall well-being, and cutting these benefits would be a significant setback. Read more about the ongoing discussions in DC ahead of the Medicaid markup hearing in Fierce...

There are many ways to add value and have an amazing career as a CFO. In this episode, Denise W. Marks, CFO of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, shares her insights on navigating a successful career path in finance. Denise discusses the importance of embracing diverse opportunities, not being afraid to ask for help, and finding your own...

A Missouri dentist is working to restore smiles to veterans for free. In a new article, featuring stats from a CareQuest report, he emphasizes the importance of veteran oral health. Watch news clip and read the full story...

According to CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, in 2023 nearly 68.5 million adults in the US lacked dental insurance. Based on the organization's State of Oral Health Equity in America survey, these projections may further surge by the end of 2023 because of the loss of coverage from other household members and the process of Medicaid...

With Medicaid funding on the chopping block, we must protect access to comprehensive care. CareQuest Institute Senior Director of Public Policy, Melissa Burroughs, spoke to Noah Tong at Fierce Healthcare about how dental benefits are usually one of the first things states eliminate when Medicaid funding is cut, or state budgets are tight. Read...

Of the more than nine million veterans who are eligible for medical care through the VHA, approximately 1.8 million are also eligible for dental care. Among veterans eligible for dental care, a third use that benefit annually—inclusive of the community care network (CCN). The CCN is a private network of VA-affiliated providers available to...

Dental organizations, including CareQuest Institute, are continuing to back community water fluoridation as the future of this practice comes under threat at the federal level. Read the full story...

The recent dismantling of the CDC Division of Oral Health has sent shockwaves through the dental community, raising concerns about the future of dental public health efforts and the prioritization of oral health at the federal level. Our Senior Director of Public Policy, Melissa Burroughs, and other industry leaders gave their reactions in...

While poor oral hygiene is often linked to issues like tooth loss, gum disease and bad breath, experts warn it can also have a far-reaching impact on your entire well-being — including your heart. In this article in the New York Post, experts explain the connection between oral health and heart disease, including a report from CareQuest...

Two advocates for veteran care in Michigan are tackling the critical gap in veterans’ dental care, offering free clinics through grants and sustainable community programs. A 2022 report from the American Institute of Dental Public Health and CareQuest Institute highlights the disparities rural veterans face in accessing dental care. Read the...