The latest study from the Oral Health Workforce Research Center (OHWRC), published in the June issue of the Journal of Public Health Dentistry, examined data from over 1,000 federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) from 2012 to 2021 to identify key factors that impact oral health service delivery.
The findings point to 3 major drivers of increased dental service utilization: growing the oral health workforce (especially dental hygienists and therapists), greater investment in capital development, and comprehensive Medicaid dental coverage for adults.
“Our findings provide valuable information for policymakers and healthcare leaders,” said CHWS Director Jean Moore. “Strategic investments to expand workforce capacity, infrastructure, and Medicaid dental coverage can help improve access to dental services in the safety net and reduce oral health disparities, especially in underserved communities.”
The study has received widespread media attention, including coverage in Dentistry Today, News Medical, and Medical Xpress.