The Inability to Bridge the Gap in Oral Health and Health Care through the Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Authors

Jennifer S. Sherry RDH, MSEd, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, ILFollow
Samantha N. Hennig RDH, BSDH, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, ILFollow

Abstract

It has been scientifically proven that systemic conditions can manifest in the oral cavity. Medicare and Medicaid recipients have limited preventive oral health services covered, especially for adults. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) does not have an oral health focus and leaves many adults without basic preventive oral health services. Typically, most patients who have private insurance can afford to pay out of pocket for premiums and co-payments to practitioners. Those who cannot afford care do not receive care and this is not health equity and needs to be investigated.

Recommended Citation

Sherry, Jennifer S. RDH, MSEd and Hennig, Samantha N. RDH, BSDH (2017) "The Inability to Bridge the Gap in Oral Health and Health Care through the Affordable Care Act (ACA)," Journal of Applied Sciences and Arts: Vol. 1: Iss. 3, Article 6.
Available at: https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/jasa/vol1/iss3/6