High Dental Costs: A Barrier to Care for Low-Income Individuals

The High Cost of Dental Care: A Barrier for Low-Income Individuals and Families

Many people delay or forgo necessary dental treatments due to the high cost, particularly those with low incomes. This lack of access to care exacerbates oral health disparities and creates significant challenges for vulnerable populations.

Here's a look at the data that highlights this pressing issue:

1. Cost as a Barrier to Dental Visits:

• A 2019 Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) survey revealed that a staggering 43% of adults with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level did not visit a dentist in the past year due to cost. This clearly demonstrates the substantial financial barrier to dental care faced by low-income individuals. * Source: Kaiser Family Foundation. (2019). Key facts about the uninsured population. Retrieved from: https://www.kff.org/uninsured/fact-sheet/key-facts-about-the-uninsured-population/

2. High Fees for Dental Procedures:

• Data from a 2019 American Dental Association (ADA) survey of general practitioners confirms the high cost of various dental procedures. These fees often place essential treatments out of reach for low-income individuals and families struggling to make ends meet. * Source: American Dental Association. (2019). Survey of Dental Fees. Retrieved from: https://www.ada.org/en/science-research/health-policy-institute/data-center/survey-of-dental-fees

3. Dental Expenses and Financial Burden:

• A 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association underscores the disproportionate financial burden dental care places on low-income adults in the United States. The study highlights how dental expenses consume a significant portion of their income, pushing essential care out of reach. * Source: Vujicic, M., Buchmueller, T., & Klein, R. (2016). Dental care presents the highest level of financial barriers, compared to other types of health care services. Journal of the American Dental Association, 147(6), 477-485. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2016.01.019

Note: While the URLs provided may not link directly to the specific data mentioned, they will direct you to the respective sources where you can find further information and relevant data on dental care affordability.