Top reasons why adult Medicaid beneficiaries skip the dentist

The lack of provider access is the top barrier keeping adult Medicaid beneficiaries from visiting the dentist more frequently, according to a report from the American Dental Association.

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More than half of adult Medicaid beneficiaries surveyed in the ADA’s report had not been to the dentist within the past 12 months. 

Fifty-one percent of beneficiaries reported that they had not been to a dentist within the past year, with nearly 60% of beneficiaries citing accessibility issues. 

A total of 2,467 Medicaid beneficiaries across eight states responded to the survey. 

Here are the top reasons why adult Medicaid beneficiaries have not seen a dentist within the past 12 months:

Note: Respondents could select more than one response.

Provider access: 59%

Affordability: 39%

Fear or anxiety: 33%

No perceived need: 19%

Other: 7%

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