Why Dental Care in the U.S. is Viewed as a Luxury: Addressing Economic, Policy, and Public Awareness Barriers

The perception of dental care as a luxury in the U.S. is deeply rooted in historical, economic, and policy factors. Despite the significant link between poor dental health and multiple serious illnesses, dental care has been marginalized, leading to inadequate insurance coverage and public awareness of its importance.

Historical Separation and Different Systems of Care

Historical Separation: Dental care has been treated separately from general medical care since the early 20th century. This separation has created distinct educational pathways, licensure processes, and insurance systems for dental professionals. The separation contributes to a perception that dental health is less critical than overall health. As a result, dental care is often not perceived as a priority in health insurance plans.

Insurance Models and Limited Coverage

Insurance Models: Most health insurance plans prioritize major medical expenses and often exclude routine dental care. When dental insurance is available, it typically covers preventive services such as cleanings and exams. However, coverage for more extensive procedures is limited, often leaving patients to pay out-of-pocket for significant dental work. This limited coverage reflects a broader trend of prioritizing immediate medical needs over preventive care.

Economic Factors and Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Economic Factors: The cost of dental care is often a barrier for many individuals. Many people may not prioritize dental visits due to the financial burden, leading to poor dental health. This cycle of neglect and high costs exacerbates the problem, making dental care an expensive and often unaffordable necessity.

Limited Public Awareness and Education

Public Awareness: While there is growing awareness of the links between oral health and overall health, historical efforts have been insufficient. Many people may not recognize the importance of dental health in relation to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. This lack of awareness further perpetuates the perception that dental care can be treated as a luxury.

Policy and Regulation

Policy and Regulation: Limited legislative focus on integrating dental care into broader health care reforms has affected access and affordability. Efforts to expand Medicaid coverage for dental services have had mixed results, leaving many low-income individuals without adequate dental care. Comprehensive reforms in health care policy, insurance coverage, and public education are necessary to address these systemic barriers.

The Financial Implications of Neglect

Dental disease is the result of improper dental hygiene or neglect. In this modern age, with wide availability of information, dental disease can mostly be prevented. Unfortunately, dental treatment is often needed to correct or repair past neglect. Proper dental hygiene should be taught and emphasized early, ideally when one is five or six years old. Once the disease process starts, it becomes a continuous course of treatment, with expenses increasing exponentially.

Conclusion

While increasing recognition of the importance of dental health is a positive step, systemic barriers in the U.S. health care system contribute to the perception of dental care as a luxury. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive reforms in health care policy, insurance coverage, and public education. By changing the current narrative, we can ensure that dental care is viewed as a necessary part of overall health care.

Keywords

dental care oral health preventive care health insurance dental insurance