Oral care is an often overlooked aspect of healthcare. Most people view it as a luxury or an added bonus more than a health necessity, even though dental care plays a vital role in one's overall health. In our post on the ‘Top 10 Oral Health Categories for 2022’ we wrote about what we can expect in the future of dentistry — from the rise of EduTech and PayTech to the development of digital orthodontics and labs. However, as great as the technological improvements in dental care are, it's just as important that patients have equitable access to dental care in the first place. Today, we'll look at some ways we can work to improve access to oral care:

Boost oral health education and awareness

Disparities in education can cause poor knowledge of oral health and hygiene. Most people who don't manage their oral health don't do it — not because they don't want to — but because they don't know when or why they need it. Insights on oral health disparities from the CDC have found that adults with less than a high school education were almost three times as likely to have untreated cavities, versus adults with at least some college education.

As such, it's necessary to boost awareness and education on hygiene alongside improving oral care access. Fortunately, online connectivity can be a cheap, easy way to promote better oral health. A feature on influencer marketing by Maryville University notes how creating highly relatable, authentic, and engaging content will naturally attract viewers. Influencers and content creators who share a genuine passion for and interest in the subject they post about — in this case, oral care — will be the most successful. Influencers can send the message of dental health information and awareness to the right demographics. Some popular dental care influencers today include ArNelle Wright (thedailydentist on Instagram), who completed her studies at the University of Florida with the goal of making dental care more accessible, and Helen Mo (the.dentistmom on Instagram), who focuses on teaching healthy oral habits as early as birth.

Comply with federal price transparency

One of the most significant hurdles for those trying to access appropriate oral care is the understandable unwillingness to be surprised by additional costs for their dental consultations and treatments. This is, unfortunately, a problem that extends beyond oral care. A report on the Hospital Price Transparency rule found that only 14.3% of hospitals in the US were compliant with the federal price transparency rule that was introduced in early 2021. The rule required that hospitals must post all prices online and in an easily accessible format.

Why is dental care price transparency important? Improving access to oral care relies on making it affordable. For many people, determining affordability involves the ability to compare costs so that they can decide which care and services offer the best treatment for value. Unfortunately, a vast majority of hospitals remain non-compliant after more than a year since the federal rule took effect, blocking patients from seeking information they have a right to know and, consequently, from seeking dental care.

Prioritize flexible hours for care

Finally, another aspect that will improve oral care accessibility aside from affordability involves dental care hours. Focusing on providing flexible care hours can help make oral care more accessible to patients. Dental care may not be possible without in-person visits like most other medical procedures. However, making adjustments, such as consultations done remotely via MedTech, can be a step in the right direction. After all, digital innovations in the dental sector should be about making care accessible as much as it is about pushing the boundaries of traditional dental care.

While the introduction of AI and complex machinery into dental offices is a step forward, we must ensure that all patients have access to the dental care that involves these emerging technologies. Providing flexible hours is no new practice for dentists, as most can freely set their practicing hours and days of the week, but combining that approach with the technologies available to us can help make equitable access happen.