States ranked by dental access, Medicaid coverage and more

Dental health can vary greatly among the states based on several factors, including access to care, coverage and supply of dental professionals.

Here are four state rankings for dental access, Medicaid coverage, dental shortage areas and dental health:

5 best, worst states for dental access

Best:

1. Massachusetts

2. Alaska

3. Hawaii 

4. New Jersey

5. Connecticut 

Worst:

1. Arkansas

2. Mississippi 

3. Alabama

4. Delaware

5. Georgia

States ranked by extensiveness of adult Medicaid dental coverage

Best states:

1. District of Columbia

2. Nebraska

3. Wisconsin

4. Alaska

5. Indiana

Worst states:

1. Texas

2. Tennessee

3. Maryland

4. Delaware

5. Alabama

States ranked by shortage of dental providers — California is No. 1

Highest:

1. California

2. Missouri

3. Alaska

4. Texas

5. Florida

Lowest:

1. District of Columbia

2. Rhode Island

3. Delaware

4. Vermont

5. New Hampshire

Dental health ranked by state

Best dental health:

1. Connecticut

2. District of Columbia

3. Massachusetts

4. Hawaii

5. New Jersey

Worst health:

1. Arkansas

2. West Virginia

3. Louisiana

4. Mississippi

5. Texas