Benevis White Paper Sheds Light on Economic Impact of Poor Oral Health

Benevis, a prominent dental healthcare and orthodontics delivery organization committed to delivering quality care to underserved communities, has unveiled its Price of Poor Oral Health white paper. This release aims to draw attention to the significant economic consequences and rising costs associated with insufficient access to regular dental care in the United States.

Marko Vujicic, chief economist, and vice president of the Health Policy Institute at the American Dental Association highlighted the costly repercussions of inadequate access to dental homes in a March 2023 statement to the U.S. Senate. He emphasized that "every 15 seconds in America, someone shows up at a hospital emergency department because of a dental issue. The estimated 2.1 million emergency department visits for dental conditions cost the U.S. healthcare system $2.7 billion each year, with Medicaid accounting for the largest share of this spending. This is an example of inefficient spending that could be avoided if more Americans had access to a dental home for routine care and prevention."

The Benevis white paper delves into the far-reaching effects of poor oral health, extending beyond the healthcare system to impact education, workforce productivity, and economic disparities. It underscores the need for affordable dental coverage, pointing out that approximately 67 million Americans—nearly a quarter of the population—lack dental insurance, more than double the estimated number without health insurance.

"As an industry, we recognize that preventive care is critical to curbing the long-term consequences–economically and physically–of neglected oral health. Enhancing the accessibility of exceptional healthcare begins with providing continuous dental health insurance to diverse patient populations," says Bryan Carey, CEO of Benevis, in a press release. “Benevis is among just 18% of dentists in the U.S. that treat 100 or more kids covered by Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) each year. It is critical to expand access for these patients.”

The paper presents staggering statistics, revealing the financial strain of health disparities, amounting to $451 billion in 2018. That figure is up 41% from $320 billion in 2014. It stresses the importance of addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) and risk factors linked to oral health, particularly in children, where approximately half do not receive regular dental care.

Cost, distance, and service availability limit access to dental care, with 92% of adults considering delaying dental care due to costs. The consequences of poor oral health extend to significant healthcare costs, indirect costs, and emotional tolls. Dental costs have risen by 30% per person over the last 2 decades, making accessible oral care out of reach for many Americans.

The white paper concludes with a case study showcasing how Benevis practices in Louisiana achieved lower costs of care per patient over 3 consecutive years through investment in earlier, regular preventive care.

For over 20 years, Benevis has remained committed to breaking down barriers to oral healthcare, expanding access to affordable care for disadvantaged communities. Benevis advocates for high-quality, accessible dental care, comprehensive coverage, and a focus on preventive measures to alleviate the burden on both individuals and the healthcare system.

For more information, view the full Price of Poor Oral Health white paper here.

Benevis operates a network of over 100 locally branded dental offices across the U.S. The organization advocates for programs and legislation to ensure all families have access to the oral healthcare they need and deserve.