The unequal distribution of oral health care in the United States

Abstract

With the vast capability to treat a wide array of maladies, the US health care system stands at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement. Yet, despite the improvement in the oral health status of the population in its entirety, there exist profound and persistent disparities in dental care throughout the US. Although health care disparities is a multifaceted issue with a wide array of implications, population-based public health programs, federal agencies, and educational institutions should be responsible for instituting new methods to alleviate the plight of the people.

Keywords

• Oral health care disparities
• tooth decay
• underserved populations