Results of largest survey of its kind indicate Americans rate oral health as critical, but that barriers to care persist

Two years after dental care was disrupted for millions of Americans, many are still not getting the dental care they need and disparities in oral health care persist, according to the results of an annual national survey from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® — a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system.

CareQuest Institute released initial findings from the second annual State of Oral Health Equity in America survey, a nationally representative survey of adults’ knowledge, attitudes, experiences, and behaviors related to oral health. The survey is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind, with more than 5,000 participants and 170 questions. Its depth and breadth offer researchers the ability to uncover trends in oral health equity gaps for specific populations based on race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, income, insurance status, disability status, and social determinants of health. Providing timely and actionable insights into the state of oral health equity in the US allows for a deeper understanding among key consumer segments and historically underserved communities.

Some of the noteworthy findings from the 2022 survey include:

· More adults identified cost as a reason they are likely to avoid dental care in 2022 (43%) than in 2021 (38%).

· More than half of adults (55%) reported some type of oral health problem in 2022, similar to 2021 (56%). In both years, toothache, cracked or broken teeth, swollen or bleeding gums, and frequent dry mouth were the most frequently cited dental problems.

· 96% of adults know that there is a connection between the health of the mouth and the rest of the body.

· Nearly 7 out of 10 adults rate oral health about as important as physical health.

· White adults were least likely to experience discrimination in an oral health care setting (33%), as compared to Hispanic adults (49%), Asian adults (49%), and Black adults (48%).

· More than two-thirds of adults strongly agree that dental care should be covered by Medicaid (67%) and Medicare (70%). 

· Nearly 6 in 10 (59%) of Black adults have lost one or more permanent teeth to decay or gum disease compared to 45% for all adults.  

· 9% of Black adults and 6% of Hispanic adults reported visiting the emergency department or emergency room for a dental condition or pain/discomfort in their mouth in the last year, compared to 4% of all white adults.

“These findings offer powerful insights into the state of oral health equity in this country — insights that we hope will inform advocacy, policy, technology advancement, and clinical integration to increase access for oral health care, especially for historically marginalized populations,” said Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA, president and CEO of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. “In part, this survey confirms what we already know — our system does not work for everyone and deep-rooted health inequity exists across our nation. Too often, we don’t have the oral health data we need to drive systemic change. A survey of this size and scope is critical to the development of actionable steps to help transform the oral health system into one that is more accessible, equitable, and integrated.”

This survey is a follow-up to a similar survey from 2021, which identified multiple troubling issues emerging during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. Findings from the 2022 survey reveal that while some aspects of oral health have rebounded since the earlier stages of the pandemic, inequities still exist within oral health care. While barriers to oral health care have been well recognized in the past, data from the survey provide new perspectives on inequities related to factors such as food insecurity, housing instability, discrimination experiences, and social determinants of health.

CareQuest Institute will be releasing a series of in-depth reports in the coming weeks and months analyzing the results of the survey focusing on topics including the impact of discrimination on oral health access; dental anxiety; the oral health of specific populations, including veterans, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and American Indians and Alaska Natives; integration of medical and dental care; teledentistry utilization and experience; and more.

The first report in the series — “Americans Are Still Not Getting the Dental Care They Need” — indicates that two years after the start of the pandemic, oral health inequities persist due to cost of care, lack of insurance, dental anxiety, and lingering fears of COVID-19 exposure. The report recommends solutions to increase access to care, such as teledentistry and expanding the reach of the oral health care workforce.

This series of reports will allow health professionals, policymakers, and thought leaders to better understand the state of oral health equity in the US and drive progress in eliminating barriers to excellent health for everyone.

A new study from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health highlights the importance of regular preventive dental checkups as a critical way to combat oral cancer.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 54,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in the US this year. Tragically, 43% of those individuals will not survive longer than five years, and many who do survive suffer long-term problems, such as severe facial disfigurement or difficulties with eating and speaking. The death rate associated with oral and oropharyngeal cancers (OC/OPC) is high because the cancers routinely are discovered late in their development.

A new study, co-authored by CareQuest Institute researchers, concludes that OC/OPC was lower among those who had seen a dentist within the prior year. Regular dental visits provide frequent opportunities for dentists to detect OC/OPC at earlier stages. Individuals with infrequent dental visits are often diagnosed with oral cancer at later stages, which significantly reduces the five-year survival rate.

The study compared all cases (prevalence) and new cases (incidence) of oral and throat cancers among approximately 38,000 Medicaid enrollees and approximately 27,000 individuals with commercial medical insurance.

The results also showed that Medicaid enrollees experienced higher oral cancer and throat cancer rates compared with commercially insured adults. Medicaid enrollees are less likely to have cancer screenings that may detect disease at earlier stages compared with individuals with private insurance.

The full report can be found here.

Ultradent Products, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of high-tech dental materials, is announcing UltraTemp™ REZ II temporary dental cement for temporary crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and small temporary fillings.

UltraTemp REZ II temporary cement is a hydrophilic, resin-based chemistry that helps ensure low irritation and a quality seal. It was developed for longer retention needs (2-4 weeks) and comes in a dual-barrel syringe with mixing tips for easy delivery. The solution features a non-eugenol formula that will not interfere with resin bonding.

With its innovative mixing-tip delivery system, UltraTemp REZ II temporary cement provides a highly convenient, time-saving application method that delivers an even cement mix for reliable strength.

Once set, UltraTemp REZ II temporary dental cement provides optimal sealing capabilities. In addition to withstanding normal biting and chewing forces, it is radiopaque, fluoresces under a black light, and is easily removed. Available in Fast Set (1–2 minutes) and Regular Set (2–3 minutes).

DS WORLD 2022: Laugh It Up with Comedian David Spade!

David Spade - best known for his 5 years on Saturday Night Live and Just Shoot Me - will be performing on opening night of DS World 2022, The Ultimate Experience in Digital Dentistry.

Early bird pricing has been extended! Now is the time to register and save $500 off your ticket.

Register Today

The American Academy of Implant Dentistry Foundation (AAIDF) has opened applications for 2022 Large Research Grants. The AAIDF Research Grants Program provides support for meritorious dental implant research projects which include, but are not limited to, the following purposes:

• Conduct research that determines the feasibility of a larger research project

• Develop and test new techniques and procedures

• Conduct small clinical or animal research projects

• Analyze data

Applicants may request up to $25,000 to fund a project for up to a two-year grant period. Successful applicants who require additional time to perform the proposed research may request an extension of the grant period without additional monetary support. The application deadline is July 15, 2022.

To apply, please visit the Large Research Grant submission site. For more information about AAIDF grant opportunities and to see a list of previous grant recipients, visit the AAIDF Research Grant page. Send all additional questions to foundation@aaid.com or call (312) 625-3705.

Dentsply Sirona announces the latest inLab Software 22.0. Its CAD and CAM applications offer users a harmonized new user interface at a design and manufacturing level, additional design options and extended connectivity to CEREC Primemill. For the first time, this fast milling and grinding unit can now be incorporated into the inLab workflow. This gives users great and also flexible machine connectivity—whether they use Dentsply Sirona solutions or other CAD/CAM systems.

inLab Software 22.0 will make digital manufacturing of dental restorations convenient and flexible. A full version of the inLab Software 22.0 is available from Dentsply Sirona for new and existing customers. Its range of new features include indication extensions, as well as a new, harmonized user interface for a modern look and for an easy and seamless transition to other DS software products.

inLab CAD Software 22.0 follows in the footsteps of Dentsply Sirona’s already successfully established solution for digitally manufactured full dentures. The software offers the extension for full-over-natural dentures (single arch denture), optimizes gingiva designs and integrates new Digital Genios and Digital Portrait tooth libraries from Dentsply Sirona used in milling and 3D print production.

For the first time, the new software can now support the design and manufacturing of a CEREC Guide 3 surgical guide in a completely improved workflow, as well as the implant supported restoration design for DS PrimeTaper implant system.

More options in manufacturing

One major innovation is the possibility to integrate CEREC Primemill into the digital production processes of labs and dental practices. This easily leads to fast milling results with high levels of accuracy. inLab CAD SW 22.0 users benefit from a design and manufacturing workflow that adjusts to the machine’s parameters. Users of other CAD/CAM manufacturing systems can also flexibly integrate CEREC Primemill via the open inLab CAM Software 22.0 .*

"The connection of CEREC Primemill to the open inLab CAM Software opens up additional performance potential for me in the lab, not only with respect to the super-fast milling of zirconia or the extra-fine grinding of glass-ceramics, but also in terms of the ability to process restoration data from other CAD software. With the 0.5 milling tools, I achieve very good surfaces in a short time. I really enjoy using the Primemill,” said Jens Richter, dental technician, Zahntechnik Kerstin Strassburger in Rochlitz, Germany.

With the installation of inLab CAM Software 22.0, the new inLab CAM service is available for the first time. The database provides central management and storage of production data for Dentsply Sirona production units connected to the local network. This allows for improved data that’s up to date and more secure when data processing.

inLab CAM Software is set to become an integral part of Dentsply Sirona's most recently announced device Primeprint Solution—a professional 3D printing solution that helps dental professionals produce a range of medical applications.

inLab CAD SW 22.0 and inLab CAM SW 22.0 are available online as full versions. inLab users and new customers can reach out to their point of contact in the regional sales organizations to purchase full licenses and/or updates.

* Dentsply Sirona rejects liability for all possible risks to the user, third parties and the production device itself with all associated components when processing designs based on *.stl file format.

Due to different approval and registration times, not all solutions and products are available in all countries.

Envista Holdings Corporation today announced the completion of the acquisition of Carestream Dental's Intraoral Scanner business. As previously announced, this business will be rebranded as DEXIS and will operate as part of the Envista Equipment and Consumables Segment. 

Envista Holdings Corporation CEO Amir Aghdaei said: "We are very excited to add a suite of world-class intra-oral scanners and software to our portfolio. Intra-oral scans are often the first step in the digital workflow and critical to many high value dental procedures including implants, prosthetics, and aligners. This acquisition further enables our purpose of partnering with dental professionals to improve patients' lives by digitizing, personalizing, and democratizing dental care." 

The business acquired does not include Carestream Dental's Imaging Equipment or Practice Management businesses. 

Additional details about the transaction will be set forth in a current report on Form 8-K to be filed by Envista and available at www.sec.gov. 

ABOUT ENVISTA

Envista is a global family of more than 30 trusted dental brands, including Nobel Biocare, Ormco, and Kerr, united by a shared purpose: To partner with professionals to improve lives. Envista helps its customers deliver the best possible patient care through industry-leading dental consumables, solutions, technology, and services. Our comprehensive portfolio, including dental implants and treatment options, orthodontics, and digital-imaging technologies, covers a wide range of dentists' clinical needs for diagnosing, treating, and preventing dental conditions as well as improving the esthetics of the human smile. With a foundation comprised of the proven Envista Business System (EBS) methodology, an experienced leadership team, and a strong culture grounded in continuous improvement, commitment to innovation, and deep customer focus, Envista is well-equipped to meet the end-to-end needs of dental professionals worldwide. Envista is one of the largest global dental products companies, with significant market positions in some of the most attractive segments of the dental products industry. For more information, visit www.envistaco.com.

The Alliance for Oral Health Across Borders (AOHAB) and Center for Integrative Global Oral Health will be presenting a two-part series on Silver Diamine Fluoride on May 4 and May 18 as part of the AOHAB “Continuing Conversations” series.

The free May 4 event will take place from 9-10 a.m. (EST) and offers 1 CE credit to attendees. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) has been placed on the WHO list of essential drugs. Clinicians must fully understand it and embrace its usage. Presenting the latest science of how SDF works from the latest IADR trials, researchers from around the globe will present implementation programs existing now and discuss their effectiveness.

Educational objectives include:

• Understand SDF mechanisms of action in depth and the elements or this that are currently undergoing global clinical trials.

• Understand global comprehensive clinical community implementation and trials all from original researchers.

Register here to attend: https://cde.dental.upenn.edu/Course/1246-CONTINUING-CONVERSATIONS-Silver-Diamine-FluorideThe-Science-Evolution-and-Community-Implementation.

The free May 18 event will take place from 9-10:30 a.m. (EST) and offers 1.25 CE credit to attendees.

Many may not know that Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is virtually unavailable in many countries! This conundrum is discussed from many angles so attendees interested in getting it into their country will understand more about this challenge. In addition, alternatives to SDF that can be used now will be reviewed as well as products currently in development and trials that will be able to address the same issues.

Educational objectives include:

• Learn about specific global SDF manufacturing and distribution issues and how they might be overcome. 

• Be updated on current alternatives as well as those in clinical trials at this time.

Register here to attend: https://cde.dental.upenn.edu/Course/1247-CONTINUING-CONVERSATIONS-Silver-Diamine-Fluoride-Challenges-Around-the-Globe-Are-Other-Options-Available.

Penn Dental Medicine’s Morton Amsterdam Dean, Dr. Mark S. Wolff, was recognized by Philadelphia-based Nationalities Service Center (NSC) for the School’s service to refugees and other vulnerable populations as one of the honorees at NSC’s annual benefit, Global Tastes: The Centennial Edition. The event and award presentation was held March 24 at the University City Science Center.

In 2019, Penn Dental Medicine started its Dental Care Center for Vulnerable Populations to provide dental care to refugees and survivors of psychological and physical violence in partnership with NSC, a refugee services organization, which refers its clients there for dental care. Dean Wolff had helped to establish a similar center while at New York University College of Dentistry prior to coming to Penn Dental Medicine and wanted to extend Penn Dental Medicine’s community outreach to this population.

“The Dental Care Center for Vulnerable Populations epitomizes one of our goals as a school: To find the most vulnerable people in Philadelphia and to bring oral healthcare and dignity to them through their smile,” says Dean Wolff. “And for our students, working with these patients is an incredible learning experience demonstrating their care and empathy and gives them personal satisfaction that is incredible as well.”

With support from Dean Wolff and under the direction of Dr. Olivia Sheridan, Professor of Clinical Restorative Dentistry, the Dental Care Center for Vulnerable Populations has grown and evolved since the launch. Two days a week, fourth-year honors students now see patients in the Center, including individuals referred from NSC as well as internal referrals from the School’s patient population who self-identify as intimate partner violence survivors and sex-trafficked adolescents from the Adolescent Protective Collaborative at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In addition, as a result of the large, recent influx of Afghani refugees to the Philadelphia area, an additional clinical care day was established starting in January of this year, specifically to serve these newly resettled Afghani refugees, also referred by NSC. A cohort of 40 third-year students are now providing care to this population a full day every week. Over 150 patient visits have been completed since January 2022. In both areas, students volunteer their time in addition to their other responsibilities and provide a full range of restorative and preventive care, working with the School’s specialty programs for additional specialized procedures that may be needed. All care is provided free of charge.

“Dean Wolff has shown incredible leadership in creating this unique and amazing resource for vulnerable newcomers in our region,” says Margaret O’Sullivan, Executive Director of NSC. “The clinic provides more than dental care, it offers a return of dignity and healing for our clients.”

NSC, which marks its 100th anniversary this year, serves approximately 5,000 immigrants and refugees annually, providing health access, refugee resettlement, ESL classes, employment readiness, free and low-cost legal counsel, and holistic treatment for trauma.