The United States has a growing problem with dental health. It’s ranked seventh in the DMFT index and way below countries like Mexico and Switzerland. So it’s better than most countries like India, but it can be better.
The US government can significantly improve dental health in the country. Here are some ways to do that.
Offer Free Services
Dental services are cheap, but some people still can’t afford them. The average price of a dental visit is about $200, and the average cost of a filling is about $500. The government can offer free dental services to low-income families and individuals. Moreover, this can be based on demographics. Here are some essential services for people of different demographics.
Tooth Replacement- Seniors
Seniors lose most of their teeth when they reach 50. This is why tooth replacement services are crucial for their dental health. Without it, they would have a lot of trouble eating and speaking. The government can offer free or subsidized tooth replacement services to seniors.
Cavity Prevention- Children
Cavity prevention is essential for children’s dental health, and the government can offer free cavity prevention services to children from low-income families. This can include sealants, fluoride treatments, and teeth cleanings.
Gum Disease Treatment- Adults
Gum disease is a common problem in adults. The government can offer free gum disease treatment to adults from low-income families. This can include scaling and root planing, which are procedures that clean the teeth and gums. Seminars can also work in preventing gum disease.
These are just some services that the government can offer when it comes to dental health. It’s important to note that these services should be available to everyone, regardless of income.
Dental Health Coverage
Health insurance covers almost all aspects of health, but dental health is often left out. The government can require all health insurance companies to provide dental coverage. This way, people will be more inclined to get dental check-ups and treatment when needed. There are various ways the government can do this.
The first option is to increase the taxes on health insurance companies that don’t provide dental coverage. The second option is tax breaks for health insurance companies that provide dental coverage. The third option is to mandate all employers to provide dental coverage for their employees. Combining these three options can give employees the dental health coverage they need in their health insurance.
The government can also create a new dental health insurance program. This program can be similar to Medicaid, a government-run health insurance program for low-income families and individuals. The new dental health insurance program can cover all aspects of dental care, from preventive care to treatment.
Dental Health Education
Another way the government can improve dental health in the United States is through education. Dental health education should be mandatory, from elementary to high school. This way, children will learn about the importance of dental health and how to take care of their teeth.
The government can also create awareness campaigns about dental health. These campaigns can target different demographics, such as seniors, children, and adults, and it can be done through TV commercials, radio ads, online ads, and print ads.
Invest in Research
The government can also invest in research for dental health. This research can be used to find new ways to prevent and treat dental problems. The government can also use it to develop new technologies to make dental treatment more affordable. Various technologies can help dental health. The first of which is 3D printing. People can use this technology to create dental implants, which are more affordable than traditional dental implants. 3D printing can also be used to create dentures that are more comfortable and realistic-looking than conventional dentures.
Another technology that can help improve dental health is robotics. Robotics can be used in various procedures, such as teeth cleanings and root canals. This way, the procedure will be more accurate and less invasive. Robotics can also be used in orthodontics, the branch of dentistry that deals with the alignment of teeth. The government can invest in these technologies to make dental treatment more affordable and accessible.
The government can also fund dental schools. This way, more dentists will be trained and available to provide dental care. Additionally, this can help lower the cost of dental care.
Making dental health a priority in the United States can positively impact the population’s overall health. By taking these steps, the government can improve the country’s dental health. Improving dental health is an essential step in improving the nation’s overall health.
