Oral health is essential to overall health and wellbeing. However, access to quality oral health care is a challenge for many communities. It leads to inequalities in oral health outcomes.
36% of Americans - more than a third of the population - do not go to the dentist each year. That number jumps to 50% for lower incomes households. This reality has led to initiatives like the ADA’s Action for Dental Health program.
Topics: dental patients, children's dental health, accessible dentist office, access to dental care, access to dental care in rural areas, dental care for underserved populations
While patients might be returning to your door now that COVID-19 vaccines are available, the economic impact the pandemic had on them might not be over. Dental care can be pricey, especially in conjunction with job or insurance loss. So here are 4 things you can do to make the dental procedures your patients need more affordable and accessible.
Topics: dental practice costs, medicare, accessible dentist office, dentistry
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) defines special health care needs as “any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or use of specialized services or programs. National Center for Health Statistics claims that one in five persons within every age, race, gender, and sexuality report having a limitation that substantially impact their daily activities. Oral health is a pillar of a person’s overall well-being, but many people with disabilities struggle to find a dental office that is accessible to them.
The obstacles those with disabilities have in obtaining accessible dental care include: transportation or parking issues; inaccessible exam equipment; narrow or small offices; absence of a support person; denial of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters; inaccessible paperwork; confusion about medical instructions; trauma triggers; and negative attitudes and ignorance about disability.
What do we mean by accessibility?
The ADA guidelines state that medical and dental practices must offer “full and equal access to their health care services and facilities.” This includes physical access, communication access, and both mental and emotional access.
Topics: dentist for disabled, disability friendly office, accessible dentist office
