Solstice Provider Blog

According to the ADA, more than 181 million American don’t visit the dentist – this reality led the ADA to create the Action for Dental Health program in 2016. Marked progress has been made to combat the dental health crisis in America since, but there are still standout issues that create barriers between patients and the care they need – particularly patients in underserved populations. How dentists bridge the gap between their office and low income, senior, or disabled patients can be the deciding factor in communities getting adequate access to oral healthcare. Here are three ways dentists can make sure they are doing everything they can to reach the patients who need them most.

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.

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.