Thirty-eight percent of children in the U.S. ages 18 and under have dental benefits through Medicaid and CHIP, Benevis stated in a Feb. 4 news release. However, only 47% of those children saw a dentist in the last 12 months, according to data from the American Dental Association.
Research from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research also shows that children from vulnerable populations have less access to oral healthcare services and experience more dental caries.
“Government leaders should prioritize oral health just as they do physical health,” Benevis CEO Bryan Carey said in the news release. “It’s vital to ensure equitable access to quality oral care, breaking down Medicaid and CHIP coverage barriers — especially in underserved and marginalized communities where the impact of limited oral healthcare is most profound.”
The DSO shared resources for patients to confirm their eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP benefits, as well as a list of dental Medicaid and CHIP plans by state.
Benevis is dedicated to providing dental care to underserved communities, supporting more than 100 offices in the U.S.
