Dental Disparities among Low-Income American Adults: A Social Work Perspective

A dark picture of a low-income uninsured adult dental channel faces the window of opportunity by expanding ACA Medicaid. However, the general assertion from the American Dental Association is that there are not enough dentists to provide care when adults with millions of uninsured insurance subscribe (see Davis et al., 2010). This description is correct, but one thing is not to participate in Medicaid. According to the Journal of Dental Public Health, "Even people who have less than half the number of dentists participating in the public dental insurance program and that may limit the number of services" (Davis et al., 2010) . According to the US Department of Labor Statistics (2013), the annual average daily salary of US dentists in 2013 was $ 164,570. Given the advantageous nature of dentistry it is reasonable and fair to request participation in public programs such as Medicaid.

If it turns out that the dentist's shortage can not be overcome, there may be alternatives. Both Alaska and Minnesota are expanding middle-level practitioners of dental labor, known as dental health therapists (Davis et al., 2010). This option increases access to healthcare by increasing the demand of the practitioner at a lower rate. In addition, some dentists choose equality of health over the benefit of personal care. While these alternatives are useful, researchers are aware of the importance of changing the private clinic dental industry to produce sustainable development.

Low income children who are not enrolled in dental insurance do not report satisfying dental needs more than private or public dental insurance. The unsatisfied dental needs of low-income uninsured children and private health insurance but children who do not have dental insurance were 13.7% and 12.9%, respectively. The unsatisfactory dental demand rate for low-income children including personal insurance and personal insurance including dental benefits were 7.7% and 8.6%, respectively.

A dark picture of a low-income uninsured adult dental channel faces the window of opportunity by expanding ACA Medicaid. However, the general assertion from the American Dental Association is that there are not enough dentists to provide care when adults with millions of uninsured insurance subscribe (see Davis et al., 2010). This description is correct, but one thing is not to participate in Medicaid. According to the Journal of Dental Public Health, "Even people who have less than half the number of dentists participating in the public dental insurance program and that may limit the number of services" (Davis et al., 2010) . According to the US Department of Labor Statistics (2013), the annual average daily salary of US dentists in 2013 was $ 164,570. Given the advantageous nature of dentistry it is reasonable and fair to request participation in public programs such as Medicaid.

Western Michigan West Michigan Advanced Dental Day sponsored by the Aged Regional Organization (AAAWM) is the annual event for low income elderly people in Grand Rapids, Michigan and surrounding areas. AAAWM will work with non-profit organizations to identify and invite elderly people based on economic needs. Participants will receive free dental cleaning, X-ray, screening and introduction to the permanent dental clinic. These activities consist of volunteer dental students, instructors of dental schools, dentists, hygienists and dental assistants.

Founded in 1981, Nemours SeniorCare is located in Milford, Delaware and Wilmington. In the clinic, services such as vision, hearing, dentistry, etc. are provided for low-income people. Dental services include screening, cleaning, X-ray, filling, extraction, denture and root canal. Adults over 65 years of age residing in Delaware with low income (which must meet income requirements) are entitled to participate in the program. Since its founding, Nemours SeniorCare has provided rare or free treatment to thousands of elderly people in Delaware. This clinic is funded by the Alfred I. duPont Testament Trust, whose emphasis is on providing medical services to elderly in Delaware.