Private health is obtained through dental offices, clinics and centers. The vast majority of Americans access the private system where 91% of our U.S. dentists practice.¹ These patients are primarily comprised of individuals who are employed, with either employer-sponsored health insurance or the ability to pay out of pocket. A full range of comprehensive care is available from general and specialty care practices. Private group practices and dental management organizations are growing and the number of office sites controlled by multi-unit dental companies is increasing. Collaboration between State Oral Health Programs and State Dental Associations serve as an excellent platform to address community oral health issues, especially among the underserved populations. Identifying areas of common ground will improve oral health for all of our residents.

Sources:

1. American Dental Association. A Proposed Classification of Dental Group Practices; February 2014. Available at: http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science and Res....

2013 the U.S. Census Bureau reported that 11.3% (approximately 125,000 people in the working class) of Nebraskans under age 65 were without health insurance. It has been estimated that more than twice as many lack dental insurance (approximately 250,000). By 2014, the Affordable Care Act had reduced these numbers for health insurance, but dental benefits were only mandated for children, still leaving a large gap in coverage for adults. Low family income can lead to a lack of opportunity, social difficulty and poverty status. Substandard housing conditions and living in medically underserved communities are additional obstacles to good oral health. In 2014, Kids Count Nebraska reported nearly 41% of our children are growing up in low-income families.