Access to Affordable Dentistry

Individual Health Insurance Coverage May Not Be Enough for Adequate Dental Care

Physicians and dentists alike agree that oral health care is a vital component in the comprehensive aspect of total body care. Those who have individual health insurance coverage may feel they're all set to receive quality dental care, but many Americans are facing another hitch.

According to the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA), 40 percent of Americans are not receiving the dental care they need. While the inability to pay is one of the largest considerations, a growing concern is the lack of dentists, especially in rural and inner city areas. According to the federal government, there are an estimated 31 million people living in a dental shortage area, which means for every 4,000 to 5,000 people there is less than one full time dentist.

This shortage becomes even more critical when you consider that poor oral health and untreated conditions promote the onset of life threatening diseases which cause the death of millions of Americans each year, including heart and lung disease, diabetes, premature babies, and other conditions. It's also important to note that routine oral health exams can be used to uncover undiagnosed conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, eating disorders, and even HIV.

So while individual health insurance coverage may help you with dental care bills, finding care may be more difficult depending on your address. Fortunately, many health care discount plans don't place physical limitations on their network, so even if a dentist isn't available in the immediate area, they can still seek care outside their town's borders.

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