Oral Health and Primary Care Integration

In 2021, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research published a report. Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges builds on the landmark Surgeon General report from 2000. This initial report brought national attention to oral health and highlighted disparities in care. Years later, oral health continues to be essential to overall health and well-being.

Health centers continue to increase access to oral health care.

According to 2021 Uniform Data System (UDS) data, health center dental programs achieved:

• 5.7 million patients served
• 13.7 million patient visits
• About 18,749 oral health Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs); this includes dentists, dental hygienists, and dental therapists:
  • Dentists: 5,098 FTEs
  • Dental Hygienists: 2,653 FTEs
  • Dental Therapists: 48 FTEs
  • Other Dental Personnel: 10,950 FTEs
• Dental sealants on 6-9-year-old children with elevated risk of dental caries increased from 42.4% in 2015 to 55.9% in 2021
• Additional health center data and reporting information
• Learn about HRSA-wide oral health initiatives, policy, practice, and resources

Resources

These can help health centers better integrate oral health into primary care.