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# CareQuest Institute

CareQuest Institute for Oral Health

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## Posts

- [A Simple Alternative Payment Model to Incentivize Periodontal Care for Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Community Health Centers](https://carequest.org/a-simple-alternative-payment-model-to-incentivize-periodontal-care-for-diabetes-mellitus-patients-in-community-health-centers/) - Managing Diabetes Costs with Oral Health This interactive tool from CareQuest Institute allows integrated care settings, such as Federally Qualified Health Centers, to input data and simulate potential cost savings from covering periodontal treatment — specifically scaling and root planing — for diabetes patients. The model demonstrates that reimbursement for scaling and root planing has
- [It’s Time to Give All Veterans a Good Reason to Smile](https://carequest.org/its-time-to-give-all-veterans-a-good-reason-to-smile/) - Veterans who have served their country deserve access to oral health care. Yet many are struggling with unmet dental needs. Learn more in the report.
- [The Power of Collective Action: A Look at OPEN Hill Day 2026](https://carequest.org/the-power-of-collective-action-a-look-at-open-hill-day-2026/) - As we look ahead to OPEN Hill Day this June, I’ve been reflecting on what makes moments like this so important — not just as events but as expressions of something bigger. At CareQuest Institute, we often talk about the importance of systems change. But systems don’t change on their own. They shift because people
- [Speaking Up: A Fresh Perspective on Maternal Oral Health Education](https://carequest.org/speaking-up-a-fresh-perspective-on-maternal-oral-health-education/) - Sade Jones knows what it’s like to feel helpless in a dental chair — especially at eight months pregnant. “I was getting work done, and my teeth were hurting really badly,” she says. “I didn’t say anything at first, but after a while, it started hurting more, and I spoke up.” The dental provider continued
- [2026 Community Water Fluoridation Policy Map: State Legislative Activity](https://carequest.org/2026-community-water-fluoridation-policy-state-legislative-activity/) - Despite overwhelming scientific evidence that community water fluoridation (CWF) is a safe and effective way to prevent cavities, many states introduced legislation in 2025 to restrict or ban CWF, laying the groundwork for continued action in 2026. In 2025, Florida and Utah enacted statewide bans, and similar proposals are under consideration in states across the
- [Forward Together: Advancing Health Equity in Uncertain Times](https://carequest.org/forward-together-advancing-health-equity-in-uncertain-times/) - This special issue of the Journal of Public Health Dentistry inspires readers to consider how they can continue to advance health equity during “the worst of times for the specialty and for health.” Through this collection of editorials, articles, and commentaries, the authors hope to renew commitments, spark deep reflection, and support action to advance health equity in the areas of science, education, public health practice, workforce, and advocacy. In his closing editorial, Dr. Caswell Evans urges readers
- [CareQuest Institute Names An Nguyen, DDS, MPH, as Chief Clinical Officer](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-names-an-nguyen-dds-mph-as-chief-clinical-officer/) - National leader in oral health integration and equity joins CareQuest Institute executive team. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® today announced the appointment of An Nguyen, DDS, MPH, as its new Chief Clinical Officer. Dr. Nguyen joins CareQuest Institute from Colorado-based Clinica Family Health and Wellness, where she has served as Chief Dental Officer since 2010.
- [CareQuest Institute and NxtCare Launch Initiative to Integrate Oral Health Insights into Home-Based Care](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-and-nxtcare-launch-initiative-to-integrate-oral-health-insights-into-home-based-care/) - Data-driven program integrates medical and dental care to improve outcomes for patients. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, today announced a data-driven program with NxtCare. As a health care operations and analytics company, NxtCare partners with post acute providers, health systems,
- [CareQuest Institute Partners with Innovaccer to Improve Medical-Dental Data Integration](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-partners-with-innovaccer-to-improve-medical-dental-data-integration/) - This collaboration brings medical and dental data together to better understand patient journeys and support more integrated care. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, today announced a new partnership with Innovaccer, a leading health care AI company, to integrate medical and
- [Periodontal Therapy Among Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: Exploring Its Association with Lower Medical Spending](https://carequest.org/periodontal-therapy-among-patients-with-cardiovascular-disease-exploring-its-association-with-lower-medical-spending/) - This study by CareQuest Institute, published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, found that people with cardiovascular disease (CVD) who had four or more periodontal visits had nearly 10% lower overall medical costs than those with CVD who received no periodontal care. Additional findings include: People with CVD who had one to three periodontal visits had an 8%
- [Repeated Use of Emergency Departments for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions: Factors Associated with Being a Superutilizer](https://carequest.org/repeated-use-of-emergency-departments-for-nontraumatic-dental-conditions-factors-associated-with-being-a-superutilizer/) - Emergency department (ED) visits for non-traumatic, often preventable, dental conditions are a large burden on the US health care system with 1.3 million ED visits each year costing more than $1 billion. This article by CareQuest Institute investigates characteristics of “superutilizers” — people who visit the ED for dental care four or more times per year. The authors found that dental superutilizers are more likely to be white, have insurance coverage through Medicaid, Medicare, or be uninsured, and have one or more medical comorbidities.
- [Dental Bite: The policy battles shaping oral health care](https://carequest.org/dental-bite-the-policy-battles-shaping-oral-health-care/) - Policy plays a critical role in expanding access to oral health care. At CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, that work is a key part of the organization’s mission to improve oral health. Melissa Burroughs, the institute’s senior director of public policy, spoke with Dental Bite about the biggest issues shaping oral health policy in 2026.
- [Becker’s Hospital Review: EDs see jump in pediatric dental visits: 5 notes](https://carequest.org/beckers-hospital-review-eds-see-jump-in-pediatric-dental-visits-5-notes/) - Children are increasingly visiting hospital emergency departments nationwide for dental issues amid shrinking access to pediatric dental care, KFF Health News reported March 10. Five notes: 1. ED visits for dental issues unrelated to physical trauma increased by 57.9% among children 14 and under, according to a 2025 report from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health,
- [KFF Health News: More Kids Are in ERs for Tooth Pain. Trump Cuts and RFK Jr.’s Anti-Fluoride Fight Aren’t Helping.](https://carequest.org/kff-health-news-more-kids-are-in-ers-for-tooth-pain-trump-cuts-and-rfk-jr-s-anti-fluoride-fight-arent-helping/) - Eight-year-old Jonah woke up one May morning with a swollen face and a toothache. He refused the pain medication that his mom, Geneva Reynolds, tried to give him. He didn’t sleep or eat and cried constantly. Within a few days, Reynolds became so desperate that she and her husband had to physically restrain Jonah, dumping
- [Dentistry33: CareQuest Institute Partners with Innovaccer](https://carequest.org/dentistry33-carequest-institute-partners-with-innovaccer/) - CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, today announced a new partnership with Innovaccer, a leading health care AI company, to integrate medical and dental data. The collaboration aims to help providers, payers, and policymakers better understand the impact of oral health
- [Becker’s Dental Review: 12 dental technology updates to know](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-12-dental-technology-updates-to-know/) - Several DSOs have invested in AI technology in recent months to boost patient care and practice efficiency. Here are 12 notable dental technology updates since Jan. 28: 1. The American Dental Association asked that federal investment and support be provided to help boost small and rural practices’ adoption of artificial intelligence tools. 2. The CareQuest
- [Becker’s Dental Review: Federal Medicaid cuts threaten dental care access: See the potential impact by state](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-federal-medicaid-cuts-threaten-dental-care-access-see-the-potential-impact-by-state/) - Looming Medicaid cuts could reverse progress that has been made to expand access to dental care in the U.S., healthcare leaders are warning. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is expected to lead to a decrease in Medicaid spending by nearly $1 trillion over the next 10 years. The bill has been criticized by many
- [Inside Health Policy: Stakeholders Mixed On Proposal To Remove Adult Dental As EHB Option](https://carequest.org/inside-health-policy-stakeholders-mixed-on-proposal-to-remove-adult-dental-as-ehb-option/) - Dental care stakeholders are mixed over the Trump administration’s proposal to roll back a Biden-era rule allowing states to add adult dental as an Essential Health Benefit: Health care advocates who worked hard to get the option in place, the American Dental Association and the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, are disappointed the state flexibility
- [Becker’s Dental Review: 6 trends reshaping dentistry](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-6-trends-reshaping-dentistry/) - Here are six emerging trends for dental leaders to know regarding artificial intelligence, staffing, insurance and patient care: 1. AI adoption: Several DSOs have added AI technology in recent weeks to enhance patient care and improve operational efficiency, including DECA Dental Group, Great Expressions Dental Centers and Aspen Dental. DSO leaders have predicted that AI
- [Human Resource Executive: Dental insurers brace for rise of cash-for-coverage employer health plans](https://carequest.org/human-resource-executive-dental-insurers-brace-for-rise-of-cash-for-coverage-employer-health-plans/) - Dental insurance strategists are trying to figure out how to create products that can serve people who work in a post-group health world. Product designers are thinking about how an increase in the number of people who use Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement plans and other types of “cash for coverage” health plans might affect
- [Dr. Bicuspid: CareQuest Institute, Innovaccer partner](https://carequest.org/dr-bicuspid-carequest-institute-innovaccer-partner/) - The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has partnered with Innovaccer to integrate medical and dental data and better understand the effects of oral health on overall health outcomes. Using Innovaccer’s Humbi platform, the organizations will pair medical and dental claims with clinical data to create a more complete view of patient health. The organizations’ goal
- [Oralhealth: Non-profit U.S. institute aims to link long-siloed medical and dental data using AI](https://carequest.org/oralhealth-non-profit-u-s-institute-aims-to-link-long-siloed-medical-and-dental-data-using-ai/) - A U.S.-based oral health nonprofit is seeking to bridge the long-standing divide between medical and dental data using artificial intelligence. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a national nonprofit focused on advancing a more accessible and integrated oral health system, announced Tuesday it has partnered with health-care AI company Innovaccer to integrate medical and dental claims
- [Becker’s Dental Review: CareQuest Institute, National Association of Community Health Centers partner on oral health integration](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-carequest-institute-national-association-of-community-health-centers-partner-on-oral-health-integration/) - The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has partnered with the National Association of Community Health Centers to support oral health integration at clinics throughout the U.S. The two organizations will work together to advance interdisciplinary, prevention-focused care models at community health centers, according to a Feb. 10 news release. The collaboration will also include initiatives
- [Becker’s Dental Review: CareQuest partners with AI company on medical-dental data integration](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-carequest-partners-with-ai-company-on-medical-dental-data-integration/) - The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has partnered with healthcare AI company Innovaccer to advance medical-dental integration. The two organizations will link medical and dental claims and clinical data through Innovaccer’s Humbi platform, according to a Feb. 17 news release. They will then explore how the shared data can be used to improve care coordination
- [HedgeThink: The Impact of Dental Health on Your Career Success](https://carequest.org/hedgethink-the-impact-of-dental-health-on-your-career-success/) - Teeth show up in almost every workplace interaction, in person or on video, today. They sit at the center of a smile, clear speech, and confidence on camera. In a busy week, many employees spend hours talking to coworkers, clients, or customers, and the mouth is part of that first impression. When dental problems flare,
- [Becker’s Dental Review: Temple University to open dental clinic, education center](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-temple-university-to-open-dental-clinic-education-center/) - The Temple University Kornberg School of Medicine is planning a dental clinic and education center in Tamaqua, Pa. The rural dental center will host 10 third-year and fourth-year dental students, who will be supervised by licensed dentists, according to a Feb. 4 news release from the university. Rural populations often have the worst access to
- [Axios: Fluoride ban efforts show RFK Jr.'s reach](https://carequest.org/axios-fluoride-ban-efforts-show-rfk-jr-s-reach/) - Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s push to remove fluoride from public water supplies is playing out on dual tracks, as the Environmental Protection Agency advances a fast-track review of health risks and at least 16 states weigh new restrictions. Why it matters: The efforts show how key parts of Kennedy's "Make America Healthy Again"
- [RDH: Crossing state lines: What the DDH Compact means for the future of dental hygiene](https://carequest.org/rdh-crossing-state-lines-what-the-ddh-compact-means-for-the-future-of-dental-hygiene/) - The new DDH Compact could transform hygienists’ careers, making multistate licensure easier and expanding opportunities, mobility, and access to care across the country. Key Highlights The DDH Compact allows dental hygienists and dentists to practice in multiple states with a single license, streamlining mobility and reducing administrative barriers. Implementation of the Compact is estimated to
- [HIT Consultant: The Proprietary Trap: Why ‘Open Data’ is the Key to Scaling Your Dental Practice in 2026](https://carequest.org/hit-consultant-the-proprietary-trap-why-open-data-is-the-key-to-scaling-your-dental-practice-in-2026/) - Care coordination in the dental industry barely exists. While the medical industry has made progress toward interoperability with several recent initiatives, dentistry continues to lag behind its healthcare counterparts in supporting the principles of “open data,” which allow information to be freely accessed, used, and shared across platforms without restrictive barriers. Read the full article
- [Teaching Dental Students to Confidently Care for Patients with Disabilities](https://carequest.org/teaching-dental-students-to-confidently-care-for-patients-with-disabilities/) - What started as a pilot program at the University of Florida (UF) College of Dentistry has evolved into a new way of training the next generation of dentists to confidently care for patients with special needs. “Being able to build those long-term relationships with somebody I wouldn't necessarily really meet in everyday life — and
- [NBC NEWS: If states ban fluoride, more kids will get cavities and Medicaid costs could soar, study finds](https://carequest.org/if-states-ban-fluoride-more-kids-will-get-cavities-and-medicaid-costs-could-soar-study-finds/) - CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a nonprofit which advocates for fluoridation, used Medicaid claims data and survey responses to predict the outcomes if the five states — Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri and Oklahoma — stopped adding fluoride to water systems. Florida has already banned it; the other states have legislation in the works to ban
- [Hearing from Dental Hygienists: Unique Paths, Mission-Driven Work, and Career Advice](https://carequest.org/hearing-from-dental-hygienists-unique-paths-mission-driven-work-and-career-advice/) - Happy National Dental Hygienist week! The second week of every April, we celebrate the outstanding, dedicated, and selfless work dental hygienists do — inside and outside of clinical settings — to improve the oral health system. Here at CareQuest Institute, we’re fortunate to have several RDH colleagues who bring their vast knowledge of dentistry to
- [Maintaining Momentum on Medical-Dental Integration](https://carequest.org/maintaining-momentum-on-medical-dental-integration/) - Medical-dental integration isn’t a new idea. For years, organizations have pointed to the benefits of connecting oral health care with medical care. But despite widespread agreement, progress has not grown in a sustained or meaningful way. “I just don’t think it has had the staying power,” says Azeem Mallick, Vice President of Enterprise Strategic Partners
- [CareQuest Institute Names Wade Rakes as New CEO](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-names-wade-rakes-as-new-ceo-2/) - Accomplished Fortune 25 Health Care Executive Will Guide CareQuest Institute’s Mission to Create an Accessible, Integrated Oral Health System. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, has named longtime health care executive Wade Rakes its new CEO. Rakes previously served as
- [DrBicuspid: CareQuest Institute for Oral Health appoints new CEO](https://carequest.org/drbicuspid-carequest-institute-for-oral-health-appoints-new-ceo/) - The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has appointed Wade Rakes, MBA, as its new CEO to lead strategy, philanthropic investments, dental insurance services, and initiatives to improve access to care. Previously, Rakes served as chief growth officer at Centene Corporation and president and CEO of Peach State Health Plan. Additionally, he has held a cabinet-level
- [Why We're Hiring a Grants Officer to Focus on Native Communities](https://carequest.org/why-were-hiring-a-grants-officer-to-focus-on-native-communities/) - One of our team’s priorities this year is to build our capacity to work more closely with American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. Much of that thinking is based on recent CareQuest Institute research showing that AI/AN communities face a disproportionate burden of oral disease. For decades, structural racism and a lack of necessities,
- [Scaling Medical-Dental Integration Nationally: Outcomes from the MORE Care Initiative](https://carequest.org/scaling-medical-dental-integration-nationally-outcomes-from-the-more-care-initiative/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”] This study evaluates MORE Care™, a medical-dental integration (MDI) model, and its implementation in Ohio, where a two-year pilot engaged nearly 20,000
- [Transforming Oral Health Care Through Interprofessional Education](https://carequest.org/transforming-oral-health-care-through-interprofessional-education/) - A Review and Recommendations This comprehensive white paper and collection of use cases, co-authored by CareQuest Institute and 19 academic institutions, explore interprofessional education (IPE) in health care, with a particular focus on oral health. The authors find that IPE is essential to foster collaborative, patient-centered health care, writing: By fostering collaboration among health care
- [Discrimination and (In)dignity in the Oral Health Care Setting and Oral Health Outcomes: A Latent Class Analysis](https://carequest.org/discrimination-and-indignity-in-the-oral-health-care-setting-and-oral-health-outcomes-a-latent-class-analysis/) - [et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text”] This study, led by researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University and CareQuest Institute, analyzes whether distinct groups or “archetypes” of individuals more frequently experience discrimination and microaggressions in the dental setting — and how those experiences can influence their oral health outcomes. Younger and more diverse groups of adults
- [A Conversation about Oral Health Policy Priorities in 2026](https://carequest.org/a-conversation-about-oral-health-policy-priorities-in-2026/) - As 2026 unfolds, state and federal lawmakers are increasingly treating oral health as part of larger health care conversations — especially around cost, access, workforce challenges, and public health. Melissa Burroughs, Senior Director of Public Policy at CareQuest Institute, is watching a series of developments that could decide who gets the opportunity to access quality
- [Water Fluoridation: Protecting Health and Saving Money for Kentuckians](https://carequest.org/water-fluoridation-protecting-health-and-saving-money-for-kentuckians/) - Recognized by leading public health and dental organizations as one of the most successful and cost-effective public health initiatives in history, community water fluoridation has protected Kentucky families from tooth decay for decades — making preventive dental care more affordable and accessible statewide. This fact sheet from CareQuest Institute and the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition
- [Maxed Out: The Reality of Reaching Dental Insurance Limits](https://carequest.org/maxed-out-the-reality-of-reaching-dental-insurance-limits/) - An analysis from CareQuest Institute estimates that approximately 32 million US adults’ dental care needs will exceed their dental insurance plan’s annual maximum benefit. The report draws on the 2025 State of Oral Health Equity in America survey to understand how many adult respondents reached or exceeded their annual maximum dental benefit in 2024, their
- [2026 CareQuest Philanthropy Priorities and What We Are Up Against](https://carequest.org/2026-carequest-philanthropy-priorities-and-what-we-are-up-against/) - As we enter 2026, we recognize the increasing urgency of our unique work. Simply put, it’s a year unlike any other we’ve seen. Why? Access to oral health care — and the proven prevention strategies that support it — are under mounting threat. State legislators are likely to cut Medicaid adult dental benefits as one
- [Community Oral Health Needs Assessment Tool](https://carequest.org/community-oral-health-needs-assessment-tool/) - This tool provides practical tips and guidance for an oral health provider and/or stakeholder undertaking a community oral health needs assessment. It includes information and instruction on the stages of a needs assessment, letting the oral health provider/stakeholder efficiently complete the process as part of their work. What’s inside: An overview of the type of
- [Water Fluoridation: Protecting Health and Saving Money for Nebraskans](https://carequest.org/water-fluoridation-protecting-health-and-saving-money-for-nebraskans/) - Recognized by leading public health and dental organizations as one of the most successful and cost-effective public health initiatives in history, community water fluoridation has protected Nebraska families from tooth decay for decades — making preventive dental care more affordable and accessible statewide. This fact sheet from CareQuest Institute and the Nebraska Dental Association outlines
- [Water Fluoridation: Protecting Health and Saving Money for Louisianians](https://carequest.org/water-fluoridation-protecting-health-and-saving-money-for-louisianians/) - Recognized by leading public health and dental organizations as one of the most successful and cost-effective public health initiatives in history, community water fluoridation has protected Louisiana families from tooth decay for decades — making preventive dental care more affordable and accessible statewide. This fact sheet from CareQuest Institute and the Louisiana Dental Association outlines
- [Fluoride at a Crossroads: What the EPA’s New Review Means — and Why It Matters](https://carequest.org/fluoride-at-a-crossroads-what-the-epas-new-review-means-and-why-it-matters/) - The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will open a new, off-cycle evidence review of fluoride in drinking water — a move that comes amid increasing political pressure, growing state-level activity, and heightened public attention to community water fluoridation (CWF). Decades of research show that CWF is a safe, effective, and cost-saving public health
- [Dental Care in Crisis: Tracking the Cost and Prevalence of Emergency Department Visits for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions](https://carequest.org/dental-care-in-crisis-tracking-the-cost-and-prevalence-of-emergency-department-visits-for-non-traumatic-dental-conditions/) - While emergency department (ED) visits for non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDCs) have declined since 2019, costs have risen significantly — $500 million — to a total of $3.9 billion, according to a new analysis of ED trends by CareQuest Institute. In 2019, there were 1.8 million ED visits for NTDCs at a cost of $3.4 billion;
- [How Ending Water Fluoridation Would Affect Children and State Medicaid Costs](https://carequest.org/how-ending-water-fluoridation-would-affect-children-and-state-medicaid-costs/) - In this report, researchers at CareQuest Institute analyzed how ending water fluoridation would affect the well-being of children and Medicaid costs within five states: Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Missouri. Each of these states has legislation to ban or restrict water fluoridation, with a ban already passed in Florida. Researchers examined Medicaid costs because children from low-income households have a greater risk of cavities compared to children from upper-income households. For families living
- [Medicaid Adult Dental Coverage Checker](https://carequest.org/medicaid-adult-dental-coverage-checker/) - Identify Areas to Strengthen Adult Dental Benefits The Medicaid Adult Dental Coverage Checker is an interactive tool for policymakers, administrators, and advocates to better understand where a given state’s Medicaid adult dental benefits package falls on a continuum from no dental benefits to extensive benefits, helping identify areas for improvement. It looks at coverage of
- [Mapping the Health Divide: LGBTQIA+ Oral Health and the Role of Policy Inclusion](https://carequest.org/mapping-the-health-divide-lgbtqia-oral-health-and-the-role-of-policy-inclusion/) - This report from CareQuest Institute and the American Institute of Dental Public Health provides a state-level analysis of transgender and cisgender queer people’s access to dental care, general health indicators, oral health indicators, and social drivers of health. The authors write: The evidence presented throughout this report clearly indicates that LGBTQIA+ people, particularly transgender and
- [Behind the Study: Coauthor Shares Insights on Fluoridation and Low Birth Weight](https://carequest.org/behind-the-study-coauthor-shares-insights-on-fluoridation-and-low-birth-weight/) - Is fluoride in drinking water safe? This question has become a popular one during the last year, as states continue to consider legislation that will influence communities across the US. Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced plans to review public health risks from fluoride in drinking water, keeping the discussion firmly in the spotlight.
- [How Rural Health Transformation Program Awards Can Improve Oral Health Access](https://carequest.org/how-rural-health-transformation-program-awards-can-improve-oral-health-access/) - Rural populations experience poorer oral health care access, lower utilization, and worse outcomes compared with their urban and suburban counterparts. An estimated 34% of rural residents lack dental insurance coverage, and 40% have not visited the dentist in more than one year. We also know oral health is deeply connected to overall health and well-being,
- [Dental Therapy: Expanding Access to Dental Care in Florida](https://carequest.org/dental-therapy-expanding-access-to-dental-care-in-florida/) - Allowing the licensure of dental therapists will help address Florida’s provider shortage, expand access to care, and enable dentists to handle more complicated procedures. This fact sheet from CareQuest Institute and the Florida Dental Hygienists’ Association outlines how dental therapy can strengthen Florida’s dental care system — and what Florida policymakers can do to support
- [Worth a Read: The 5 Most Popular CareQuest Institute Publications of 2025](https://carequest.org/worth-a-read-the-5-most-popular-carequest-institute-publications-of-2025/) - How many adults in the US do not have dental insurance? What’s the value of integrating oral health into interprofessional education? How much does it cost to treat non-traumatic dental conditions in an emergency department? In 2025, CareQuest Institute analysts and authors answered those questions — and many more — through our research and publications.
- [Boston Globe: New CEO Wade Rakes gives Boston’s CareQuest Institute a reason to smile](https://carequest.org/boston-globe-new-ceo-wade-rakes-gives-bostons-carequest-institute-a-reason-to-smile/) - The board members at the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health have something to smile about: They’ve found a veteran health care executive to be the nonprofit’s new chief executive. Wade Rakes recently joined CareQuest as its CEO, leaving a top role at health insurance giant Centene Corp. to come to Boston. Rakes takes over for Myechia Minter-Jordan, who left CareQuest last
- [Dental Bite: Leading the future of oral health](https://carequest.org/dental-bite-leading-the-future-of-oral-health/) - CareQuest Institute for Oral Health is a nonprofit focused on creating an equitable system for oral health care through research, policy, advocacy and philanthropy. In September, they announced a new CEO: Wade Rakes, MBA. Months into his new role, Rakes sat down with Dental Bite to talk about his experience as a health care executive and how he
- [WVIZ-TV: Northeast Ohio's 'oral health deserts' put residents at risk of more than cavities](https://carequest.org/wviz-tv-northeast-ohios-oral-health-deserts-put-residents-at-risk-of-more-than-cavities/) - The sounds of suction and other dental tools drone in the background as Joseph Kunchik, chief dental officer for Lorain County Health and Dentistry, examines 20-year-old Jesus Cruz. Cruz is in pain after delaying dental care because he could not afford it. “I stayed up at nights crying because of this," Cruz said. "And then
- [Word in Black: Here’s What Doc Appointments You Need to Make in 2026](https://carequest.org/word-in-black-heres-what-doc-appointments-you-need-to-make-in-2026/) - As we look ahead to 2026, we need to continue to be proactive about our health care. With an upcoming second Trump administration, some in the Black community are fearful of what that can mean for health care access. But there are some practical steps we can all take to continue to care for our
- [Becker’s Dental Review: ‘We’ve got a lot of work to do ahead’: What dental leaders told us in December](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-weve-got-a-lot-of-work-to-do-ahead-what-dental-leaders-told-us-in-december/) - This month, dental executives spoke with Becker’s about dental care accessibility, new investments and financial pressures facing the industry. Here is what six dental leaders told us in December: Read the full article here.
- [Becker’s Dental Review: ‘We are at a crisis’: CareQuest CEO zeroes in on top priorities for dental care access in 2026](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-we-are-at-a-crisis-carequest-ceo-zeroes-in-on-top-priorities-for-dental-care-access-in-2026/) - The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health will continue to advocate for dental care accessibility as the industry faces persistent challenges along with some new obstacles in 2026. Wade Rakes, the organization’s new CEO, recently spoke with Becker’s to discuss roadblocks to dental care accessibility in the U.S., including Medicaid cuts, fluoride pushback and workforce shortages. Read the
- [New York Amsterdam News: Why Black and Brown patients get brushed off when it comes to affordable dental care](https://carequest.org/new-york-amsterdam-news-why-black-and-brown-patients-get-brushed-off-when-it-comes-to-affordable-dental-care/) - Furaha Moyé owes her smile to Harlem United. The community health center, based in Upper Manhattan, has served as a steady source of affordable, quality dental care for the 76-year-old Harlem resident for more than a decade. Faced with challenging dental issues since she was a child, Moyé said the services she receives at the
- [Kiowa County Press: New data tool shows Coloradans missing out on dental care](https://carequest.org/kiowa-county-press-new-data-tool-shows-coloradans-missing-out-on-dental-care/) - Young people living in rural parts of Colorado are accessing oral health care at half the rate of the general population, according to data from a new online Dental Dashboard created by the Center for Improving Value in Health Care in partnership with the Colorado Dental Association. Read the full article here.
- [Money: 5 Best Dental Insurance Plans of 2025](https://carequest.org/money-5-best-dental-insurance-plans-of-2025/) - Along with brushing and flossing, good dental insurance goes a long way towards keeping your teeth healthy. Since 2016, Money’s editorial team has spent thousands of hours researching and vetting the best dental insurance providers and coverage. We've evaluated the most comprehensive policies from top insurers, including Delta Dental, Guardian Direct and Spirit Dental. Read
- [The Indiana Citizen: DENTAL ISSUES: Research to study impact of this medical debt on Hoosiers](https://carequest.org/the-indiana-citizen-dental-issues-research-to-study-impact-of-this-medical-debt-on-hoosiers/) - A toothache may seem minor compared to the other medical conditions and accidents that can send people to the hospital, but the number of Americans seeking treatment in emergency rooms for nontraumatic dental conditions, and the costs associated with the care, have been increasing, making dental debt a growing concern. Read the full article here.
- [WBIW-AM: New research partnership takes aim at unstudied crisis: Dental debt in Indiana](https://carequest.org/wbiw-am-new-research-partnership-takes-aim-at-unstudied-crisis-dental-debt-in-indiana/) - The Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute (ICAPI) has announced a new partnership with the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health to conduct critical research on the burden of dental debt among Hoosiers. This collaboration aims to illuminate an issue that, despite the state’s ongoing conversation about general medical debt, remains severely understudied and lacking specific policy
- [Dimensions of Dental Hygiene: Teledentistry Offers Benefits to Both Patients and Clinicians](https://carequest.org/dimensions-of-dental-hygiene-teledentistry-offers-benefits-to-both-patients-and-clinicians/) - In 2024, the Health Resources and Services Administration reported that approximately 60 million Americans live in dental health professional shortage areas, representing 17.4% of the total population.1 These regions lack oral health professionals and are unable to meet the population’s needs. Telehealth has emerged as a promising solution to bridge the gap in access to care,
- [Becker’s Dental Review: Dental organizations push back against FDA restrictions on ingestible fluoride products](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-dental-organizations-push-back-against-fda-restrictions-on-ingestible-fluoride-products/) - The American Dental Association and the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health have spoken out against the FDA’s decision to limit the use of ingestible fluoride products. Read the full article here.
- [Inside Dentistry: CareQuest Institute Expresses Concern Over FDA Fluoride Decision for Children](https://carequest.org/inside-dentistry-carequest-institute-expresses-concern-over-fda-fluoride-decision-for-children/) - CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has responded to new US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforcement actions that limit the use of fluoride supplements in children, emphasizing that the decision could reduce access to an important preventive measure for families without fluoridated water. Read the full article here.
- [Employee Benefit News: Wally Health offers subscription-based dental care for employers](https://carequest.org/employee-benefit-news-wally-health-offers-subscription-based-dental-care-for-employers/) - For years, dental benefits have been a sore spot for organizations, seen as outdated, underutilized and unsupportive of employees' real needs — but this provider is aiming to change that with a new approach to subscription-based care. Read the full article here.
- [Oral Health in America: Who Gets Left Behind?](https://carequest.org/oral-health-in-america-who-gets-left-behind/) - CareQuest Institute’s latest State of Oral Health Equity in America survey reveals both progress and ongoing gaps that demand attention. While 70% of US adults report having a dental visit in the past year, millions of adults still seek dental care in the emergency department (ED), put off care because they exceed their annual deductible,
- [Winning on Water Fluoridation: Lessons from Louisiana and Connecticut](https://carequest.org/winning-on-water-fluoridation-lessons-from-louisiana-and-connecticut/) - Despite community water fluoridation (CWF) being a safe and effective public health measure that has helped reduce tooth decay for decades, more than 20 states introduced legislation this year aimed at restricting — or outright banning — CWF. Even one state, to us, is too much. The issue of CWF has become increasingly politicized in
- [Strengthening State Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits: Five Success Stories](https://carequest.org/strengthening-state-medicaid-adult-dental-benefits-five-success-stories/) - These case studies explore the policy journey of five states to strengthen their Medicaid adult dental benefits — from emergency-only to comprehensive benefits — including their challenges, strategies, and successes. Each case study includes key lessons that advocates can use to strengthen access to oral health care for low-income families, people with disabilities, and residents
- [New Study Shows Costly Consequences for States Banning Fluoride](https://carequest.org/new-study-shows-costly-consequences-for-states-banning-fluoride/) - An issue historically left to local governments is now drawing attention from some state and federal leaders — and the outcome could affect our health for generations. Water fluoridation has been a hot topic during the last few months, with Florida and Utah enacting statewide bans and similar proposals under consideration across the country. Against
- [Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits May Be Optional in Some States, but Oral Health Is Not](https://carequest.org/medicaid-adult-dental-benefits-may-be-optional-in-some-states-but-oral-health-is-not/) - Federal leaders have made steep cuts to Medicaid in the recent budget and spending bill, but one thing remains clear: Medicaid matters. And dental coverage matters — to individuals, families, local communities, and states. Research consistently shows that dental coverage leads to greater access to — and utilization of — regular dental care. This, in turn,
- [Voices from the Field: Julie Seward on Advancing Oral Health in AI/AN Communities](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-julie-seward-on-advancing-oral-health-in-ai-an-communities/) - Indigenous communities face several barriers to accessing oral health care. For American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) families who live on tribal lands, often in rural areas, a shortage of dental providers is a common hurdle. This is among many challenges and varied solutions highlighted in a new white paper, “American Indian and Alaska Native
- [Veterans Deserve Access to Affordable, Quality Oral Health Care](https://carequest.org/veterans-deserve-access-to-affordable-quality-oral-health-care/) - A 70-year-old veteran living in Arizona making less than $30,000 a year who was forced to receive dental care in Mexico but was unable to update his dentures due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. A 61-year-old, college-educated veteran living in Rhode Island who has diabetes and PTSD and can’t speak or eat with his dentures can’t
- [Five Oral Health Challenges Facing American Indian/Alaska Native Communities](https://carequest.org/five-oral-health-challenges-facing-american-indian-alaska-native-communities/) - The oral health disparities American Indian (AI) and Alaska Native (AN) communities face can be traced back to the 15th century — when European settlers arrived in North America. Fast forward several hundred years, and AI/AN communities continue to battle striking inequities. A new white paper — a collaboration between CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, the Society
- [Transforming Community Health: Incorporating Social Determinants in a Dental Setting](https://carequest.org/transforming-community-health-incorporating-social-determinants-in-a-dental-setting/) - Elly Steel, DMD, MPH, says she and her colleagues at Cabarrus Health Alliance can easily identify the factors in their patients’ lives that affect their health just by observing and listening. “I know which of my patients have difficulty with transportation because they either show up an hour early or an hour late for their
- [How We Can Advance Oral Health Equity](https://carequest.org/how-we-can-advance-oral-health-equity/) - The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately harmed Black, Hispanic, and other people of color, sparking renewed attention on America’s oral health disparities. While some communities face higher hurdles to good oral health than others, promising solutions exist to achieve greater equity. Policy and health care leaders can do more to advance equitable access to services, including in dental
- [Applied Learning: Hygienist Puts Brush-On Education to Use](https://carequest.org/applied-learning-hygienist-puts-brush-on-education-to-use/) - Trinity Cleveland, RDH, was volunteering at the Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy (AZMOM), an annual two-day event that provides dental services to underserved populations. It was her ninth time helping at AZMOM. “In Arizona, very few adults have access to dental benefits in Medicaid,” Cleveland says. “There’s a very small population that has that benefit.
- [Five Ways to Improve the Oral Health of Medicaid-Enrolled Children](https://carequest.org/five-ways-to-improve-the-oral-health-of-medicaid-enrolled-children/) - Early oral health care is essential for all children. So, it’s good news that Medicaid mandates comprehensive dental coverage for enrolled children until they’re 21 years old. But families with low incomes confront a persistent challenge: having coverage doesn’t guarantee access to care. Data show that children enrolled in Medicaid are less likely to receive
- [Voices from the Field: Dr. Donna Balaski on Strengthening Connecticut Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-dr-donna-balaski-on-strengthening-connecticut-medicaid-adult-dental-benefits/) - Since 2010, Donna Balaski, DMD, has voiced the importance of periodontal coverage for adults on Medicaid in Connecticut. “By failing to treat periodontal disease,” she says, “it is like allowing an infection in a person’s lower limb to progress to gangrene where the ultimate treatment is amputation.” Balaski hopes her analogy — and her research-backed
- [‘More People Have Access to Oral Health Services’: How West Virginia Is Using the Medicaid Adult Dental Coverage Checker](https://carequest.org/more-people-have-access-to-oral-health-services-how-west-virginia-is-using-the-medicaid-adult-dental-coverage-checker/) - Jason Roush, DDS, realized early on in his career the importance of improving the oral health of all West Virginians. He started as a private practice dentist after graduating from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry in 1998, but he quickly started to look beyond the four walls of his office. “I thought I
- [A Decade in the Making: How Hawai‘i Oral Health Advocates Reinstated Adult Dental Coverage](https://carequest.org/a-decade-in-the-making-how-hawaii-oral-health-advocates-reinstated-adult-dental-coverage/) - In 2009, in the wake of a major national recession, Hawai‘i — like many other states — grappled with the difficult decision on what to cut from its state budget. Unfortunately, non-emergency dental benefits for adults on Medicaid were on the “cut” list, leaving hundreds of thousands of adults in Hawai‘i without access to preventive
- [10 Quotes from 2022 about the Future of the Oral Health System](https://carequest.org/10-quotes-from-2022-about-the-future-of-the-oral-health-system/) - Throughout 2022, leaders of all kinds, from across the oral health community, brought forth ideas and solutions to help improve oral health in the US. Those voices, each one, are essential to creating a system that is accessible, equitable, and integrated. In the last 12 months, they helped secure dental coverage for low-income adults in certain states,
- [19 Questions (and Answers) about Brush-On Dental Therapies ](https://carequest.org/19-questions-and-answers-about-brush-on-dental-therapies/) - Brush-on therapies have become a popular form of minimally invasive care in recent years. As an alternative to surgically managing caries, silver diamine fluoride (SDF), povidone iodine (PI), and non-staining peptide-guided enamel regeneration P11-4 offer patients and providers options that are often preferable to the “drill-and-fill” approach. Change, in this case, is happening quickly. “The
- [The Five Most Popular CareQuest Institute Publications of 2022](https://carequest.org/the-five-most-popular-carequest-institute-publications-of-2022/) - This past year was full of positive developments in the oral health system: expanded oral health coverage for millions of Americans, initiatives to advance medical-dental integration, and new codes that will increase the use of minimally invasive care. But at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, we know we still have a long road ahead to improve oral health care,
- [Maryland’s Successful Path to Securing Dental Coverage for Low-Income Adults](https://carequest.org/marylands-successful-path-to-securing-dental-coverage-for-low-income-adults/) - It was the tragic story of 12-year-old Deamonte Driver — a boy who died from an untreated tooth infection that spread lethal bacteria to his brain — that first compelled advocates in Maryland to take up the fight to expand dental coverage to low-income children in 2007. As they made meaningful advances in dental coverage
- [Voices from the Field: Sarah A. Sherman on Improving Rural Veterans’ Oral Health Access](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-sarah-a-sherman-on-improving-rural-veterans-oral-health-access/) - Most Americans may assume that thanks to their sacrifices, veterans have unfettered access to comprehensive health services. But that’s not the case, as Sarah A. Sherman learned when she became Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS). The agency advocates for veterans and their families. “Roughly 90% of veterans nationwide
- [Colleagues and Friends Remember Oral Health Innovator Dr. Mark Doherty](https://carequest.org/colleagues-and-friends-remember-oral-health-innovator-dr-mark-doherty/) - His colleagues, who were really friends, all used the same words when they shared memories of Dr. Mark Doherty: Generous. Compassionate. A champion for oral health. A forceful and unwavering advocate for oral health access for the underserved, Mark died on October 7 at age 75. He is survived by his wife (of 53 years)
- [Nine Resources to Kickstart Your VBC Journey](https://carequest.org/nine-resources-to-kickstart-your-vbc-journey/) - Any journey, especially one as winding, complex, and meaningful as the journey toward value-based oral health care (VBOHC), starts the same way — with a step. “We are all at different points in reforming and leading value-based health care efforts,” said Kristen Simmons, PhD, MHA, RDH, former chief operating officer at Willamette Dental Group, in
- [Voices from the Field: Health Program Manager Raydiance Swanston on Reimagining Oral Health in Her Community](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-health-program-manager-raydiance-swanston-on-reimagining-oral-health-in-her-community/) - When Raydiance Swanston heard about the Community Oral Health Transformation (COrHT) program launching in North Carolina, she knew it was something Mecklenburg County Pediatric Clinic had to join. “One of my personal goals is to innovate and offer new opportunities that haven’t been available,” Swanston said. “We’re trying to make a difference for people who
- [Seven Questions on Infection Prevention and Control in Dentistry](https://carequest.org/seven-questions-on-infection-prevention-and-control-in-dentistry/) - As we approach another COVID-19 winter in the United States, the health care industry is bracing itself for the possibility of another wave of infections. In preparation, in late September, the CDC issued new infection prevention and control updates, providing guidance around topics including testing, exposure, and universal personal protective equipment (PPE). A recent CareQuest Institute webinar,
- [How Distributed Cognition Can Improve Patient Care](https://carequest.org/how-distributed-cognition-can-improve-patient-care/) - Who is the true expert when it comes to a patient’s oral health? The answer depends on the situation and the stage of oral disease a person might be experiencing. For example, when a patient presents to a dental clinic with oral pain, they are the expert, at least at first. Patients in pain find
- [Voices from the Field: Madeline Steward on Oral Health Equity for Medicaid Populations](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-madeline-steward-on-oral-health-equity-for-medicaid-populations/) - There’s obviously no one solution, no silver bullet, to creating an equitable oral health system. But for Madeline Steward, MPH, a program officer at the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), there’s one element that’s critical to the effort: trust. “A key ingredient raised by community-based organizations to establishing an equitable oral health care system
- [The Connection Between 100 Million Mouths and Oral Health Equity](https://carequest.org/the-connection-between-100-million-mouths-and-oral-health-equity/) - It all began with an audacious aim and an audacious number. “This project started from a bold idea that we could reach millions of Americans who may not have access to a dentist by enlisting the greater health care workforce as partners in oral health,” said Shenam Ticku, BDS, MPH, instructor in Oral Health Policy
- [Actions You Can Take to Advance Anti-Racism in Dentistry](https://carequest.org/actions-you-can-take-to-advance-anti-racism-in-dentistry/) - Racism is a public health epidemic. Across the US, there are barriers to care that have blocked people of color from receiving adequate health care for years. Lack of economic opportunity, lack of access to insurance, lack of affordable care, lack of representation in the medical field, implicit bias, and stereotyping are only a few examples
- [Nine Questions That Dive Deeper into Dental Therapy](https://carequest.org/nine-questions-that-dive-deeper-into-dental-therapy/) - Dental therapy is growing. Similar to physician assistants in medicine, dental therapists can work in various settings — from the dental office to the community — and provide various services, including filling cavities, placing temporary crowns, and extracting teeth under some circumstances. Communities throughout the US that struggle with dental workforce shortages or providing access
- [Voices from the Field: Dr. Patrick Smith on Oral Health Challenges for Black Men](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-dr-patrick-smith-on-oral-health-challenges-for-black-men/) - Patrick Smith, DMD, MPH, recalls the experience like it was yesterday. “A few years ago, I was part of a team that would drive in a dental van to underserved communities throughout Chicago to perform free tooth extractions,” Smith said. “And many of the patients we’d see were Black men in severe pain. There was
- [A New Look for Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits](https://carequest.org/a-new-look-for-medicaid-adult-dental-benefits/) - This week, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health released the Medicaid Adult Dental Coverage Checker in partnership with the American Dental Association (ADA) Health Policy Institute, the Center for Health Care Strategies, Inc., and the National Academy for State Health Policy. The Checker provides a snapshot of a state’s Medicaid adult dental benefits, allowing individuals to better understand the
- [Six Steps to Setting Up a Teledentistry Program](https://carequest.org/six-steps-to-setting-up-a-teledentistry-program/) - CareQuest Institute has explored the value and potential of teledentistry and observed that virtual encounters can be a flexible and important care delivery methodology that improves access to dental care, increases equity, and reduces costs. Although numerous resources exist (three linked in the previous sentence) on teledentistry, we often hear the question, “Where do I start?” A recent
- [Voices from the Field: Danica Loring on Dental Workforce Solutions in Maine](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-danica-loring-on-dental-workforce-solutions-in-maine/) - Danica Loring, EFDA, CDA, works as a dental practice manager at Penobscot Community Health Care (PCHC) Dental Center, a nonprofit in Maine. She helps PCHC achieve its mission of providing comprehensive, integrated primary health care services to improve the health and well-being of patients in the Maine community. Danica’s 15-year career as a dental assistant
- [A New Oral Health Outlook for 2 Million Americans](https://carequest.org/a-new-oral-health-outlook-for-2-million-americans/) - It’s a troubling reality you’ve likely read about before: Millions of Americans, especially those with lower incomes, people of color, and those living in rural communities, cannot secure the dental care they need due to a variety of factors, including cost, coverage, provider availability, and social determinants of health. As a result, there are wide
- [Taking Action on Racism: An Inside Look at a Special Issue](https://carequest.org/taking-action-on-racism-an-inside-look-at-a-special-issue/) - What is the oral health industry’s role and responsibility in addressing racism in our country? “In contrast to other disciplines (public health and medicine for example), dentistry as a discipline has been relatively quiet in the space of anti-racism,” said Eleanor Fleming, PhD, DDS, MPH, FICD, assistant dean for equity, diversity, and inclusion at the
- [How SMILE Health Is Reimagining Oral Health Innovation](https://carequest.org/how-smile-health-is-reimagining-oral-health-innovation/) - What adjectives would you use to describe the oral health system? Traditional? Effective? Reliable? One adjective that often gets left out of the conversation: innovative. “There is a lack of innovation in oral health in a couple of ways,” says Kirill Zaydenman, MS, vice president of innovation at our for-profit subsidiary CareQuest Innovation Partners. “One is
- [Why CareQuest Institute Grantmaking Focuses on Communities](https://carequest.org/why-carequest-institute-grantmaking-focuses-on-communities/) - CareQuest Institute’s grantmaking efforts focus on five cross-cutting strategies: health and racial equity, social determinants of health, community-centered measurement, learning and capacity building, and innovation in oral health. Why those five areas? “We really do believe that working toward systems change is about looking deeper,” said Trenae Simpson, MBA, director of grants and programs at CareQuest
- [Speaking Softly and Still Being Heard: Advice on Advocating for Yourself in a Professional Setting](https://carequest.org/speaking-softly-and-still-being-heard-advice-on-advocating-for-yourself-in-a-professional-setting/) - Like many of you, becoming a health care professional, specifically a dental hygienist, was a dream job for me. The small-town practice I worked for really cared about their employees, patients, and the community. For many years as a clinical dental hygienist, I felt I had found my purpose. I loved my job and my
- [How Providers Are Using Teledentistry Today](https://carequest.org/how-providers-are-using-teledentistry-today/) - As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the benefits of telehealth to connect patients with health care providers have become clear. Whether it’s telemedicine, teletherapy, or teledermatology, telehealth is here to stay. And that includes teledentistry, which can increase access to oral health care and decrease costs — now and beyond the pandemic. In
- [Researchers on Stage at the 2022 National Oral Health Conference](https://carequest.org/researchers-on-stage-at-the-2022-national-oral-health-conference/) - Medical-dental integration. Dental anxiety. Value-based care. Periodontal therapy. These are just a few of the topics researchers at the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health presented at the National Oral Health Conference (NOHC) last month in Fort Worth, Texas. The annual multi-day conference offers educational sessions and presentations by leaders in dental public health for anyone interested in
- [Three Resources That Explore the Connection Between Oral Health and Mental Health](https://carequest.org/three-resources-that-explore-the-connection-between-oral-health-and-mental-health/) - A quick Google search, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month this May, will yield thousands of results about the connection between physical health and mental health. Healthy behaviors — healthy eating, regular exercise, a good night’s rest — result in better mental health for people across their lifespan. But what about oral health? Does a
- [Seven Common Questions on Dental Fear and Anxiety](https://carequest.org/seven-common-questions-on-dental-fear-and-anxiety/) - Dental fear and anxiety can pose significant barriers to receiving dental treatment and affect people across socioeconomic and demographic groups. “Estimates of dental anxiety range widely from about 30–80% in the US and worldwide,” said Lisa Heaton, PhD, science writer for Analytics and Evaluation at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. “Different studies define and measure
- [A Workforce Win: Dentist and Dental Hygiene License Portability Is Underway](https://carequest.org/a-workforce-win-dentist-and-dental-hygiene-license-portability-is-underway/) - When you pull out your wallet, you’re likely to see a driver’s license. Perhaps you earned that license in Maine, Minnesota, or Montana. Or maybe it was in West Virginia or Wisconsin. Although your education and licensure took place in one of those states, you can legally operate a vehicle in all 50 states. As
- [Why We Created the Oral Health Equity in America Survey — and What We Found](https://carequest.org/why-we-created-the-oral-health-equity-in-america-survey-and-what-we-found/) - How is America’s oral health? It’s a challenging question, especially when you consider all the potential sources of information. Is the best answer based on behaviors and experiences in dental offices and communities across the country? Or is it better to look at knowledge, like how much a person understands about the connection between their
- [Behind the Scenes with an Oral Health Advocate](https://carequest.org/behind-the-scenes-with-an-oral-health-advocate/) - For Pareesa Charmchi Goodwin, hearing people’s stories, hearing how she can help, is a gift. “I am fortunate to have built relationships with community leaders and people we advocate for,” she says. “I am honored and humbled when people trust us with their stories and ask for advice on navigating the system. And unfortunately, there
- [How One FQHC in Florida Is Approaching the Future of Oral Health Care](https://carequest.org/how-one-fqhc-in-florida-is-approaching-the-future-of-oral-health-care/) - Over the course of the pandemic, health care providers have adapted to a new kind of workplace reality. For oral health care providers, that meant learning how to deliver dental care in the safest way possible, for both patients and staff. To discuss how the pandemic has led to some lasting changes in oral health,
- [Voices from the Field: Dr. Kelly Tanner on Elevating Dental Hygienists](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-dr-kelly-tanner-on-elevating-dental-hygienists/) - Dr. Kelly Tanner knew from a young age she wanted to be a dental hygienist. Today, as the CEO of Next Level Dental Hygiene and Ascend Health Partners, she provides dental organizations and hygienists with support and educational tools to develop leadership skills and accelerate careers in oral health care. In honor of National Dental
- [Six Things We Learned in Our First Year as CareQuest Institute](https://carequest.org/six-things-we-learned-in-our-first-year-as-carequest-institute/) - One year ago today — March 29 — we officially launched CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Building on the strengths of past organizations, including the DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement, we are accelerating oral health care transformation and moving faster, together, toward a health system designed for everyone. What’s our “why?” What drives us?
- [Busting Four Myths about Investing in Health Equity ](https://carequest.org/busting-four-myths-about-investing-in-health-equity/) - Earlier this month, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health CEO and president Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA, presented an hour-long session at South by Southwest (SXSW) about the business case for investing in health equity — a topic that has increasingly become a priority across all industries, including health care. The COVID-19 pandemic drove home the reality that our
- [Voices from the Field: Dr. Deborah George on Dentistry’s Lessons from the Pandemic](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-dr-deborah-george-on-dentistrys-lessons-from-the-pandemic/) - Dr. Deborah George has worked at the Jessie Trice Community Health System, a Federally Qualified Health Center in Florida, for more than 25 years. In her roles as the executive president of community affairs and chief dental officer, she oversees the system’s oral health program while cultivating collaborative relationships with community stakeholders. Dr. George’s career
- [More on MDRAN: Answers to 11 Questions about a Successful Care Coordination System](https://carequest.org/more-on-mdran-answers-to-11-questions-about-a-successful-care-coordination-system/) - Care coordination involves ensuring that all providers caring for a patient have access to the same information and can communicate seamlessly with one another. That coordination is critical to providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time. That coordination is also difficult to achieve — especially in the oral health system.
- [Centering Veteran Voices: Takeaways from the Transforming Veteran Oral Health Colloquium](https://carequest.org/centering-veteran-voices-takeaways-from-the-transforming-veteran-oral-health-colloquium/) - It was one of those questions, one of those statements, that echoes long after an event concludes. “Go back to the simple question,” said Chelsea Chokas, MSM, a US Navy veteran and a project coordinator at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. “‘Have you ever served?’ That’s a simple thing a doctor could ask in order
- [A Snapshot of the Oral Health in America Report ](https://carequest.org/a-snapshot-of-the-oral-health-in-america-report/) - Oral Health in America: Advances and Challenges, a follow-up to the Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health in America in 2000, was released in January. The nearly 800-page report, which includes writing and research from more than 400 contributors, explores the nation’s oral health during the past two decades. Why is the report significant? What might
- [Exploring Oral Health Care Spending over a Life Span](https://carequest.org/exploring-oral-health-care-spending-over-a-life-span/) - CareQuest Institute for Oral Health researchers recently published an article in the Journal of the American Dental Association that offers one of the most in-depth explorations of lifetime spending on oral health care. The article appeared on the cover of the February 2022 issue, a signal of its importance to understanding how different populations access and receive care during
- [Voices from the Field: LaVette C. Henderson on the Path Ahead for the Diverse Dental Society](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-lavette-c-henderson-on-the-path-ahead-for-the-diverse-dental-society/) - Last month, the Diverse Dental Society (DDS) announced LaVette C. Henderson, CMP, HMCC, FACD, as its new president for 2022. The former executive director and current director of finance of the National Dental Association (NDA), Henderson brings more than 30 years of experience to the role and has a clear vision for what’s next. The DDS was established
- [Looking to the Future of Black History Month](https://carequest.org/looking-to-the-future-of-black-history-month/) - Black History Month, first recognized during the celebration of the United States Bicentennial in 1976, gives us the chance to look back on the countless accomplishments of Black Americans. It’s a time to reflect on the individuals who, through innovation, invention, and courage, helped shape our country. Many Black Americans helped shape oral health history,
- [Three Reasons Why Adults on Medicaid Need Dental Coverage](https://carequest.org/three-reasons-why-adults-on-medicaid-need-dental-coverage/) - Medicaid — the health care program jointly funded by states and the federal government to provide comprehensive health care services to 75 million people nationwide — guarantees comprehensive dental benefits for children. The same is not true for adults, though. Adults who rely on the program are often forced to make difficult decisions about seeing
- [The Path to Improving Oral Health Care for Veterans](https://carequest.org/the-path-to-improving-oral-health-care-for-veterans/) - When Bosco Jerez returned from Iraq, he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and dental care wasn’t his top priority. “During that time, I didn’t take care of my teeth like I should have been because I had other things on my mind,” says Jerez, a veteran from Virginia. “And of course, I didn’t
- [Promising Opportunities to Support Veteran Oral Health](https://carequest.org/promising-opportunities-to-support-veteran-oral-health/) - Roughly 19 million veterans live in the US, comprising about 6% of the total population. Those veterans are more likely to experience worse oral health outcomes — higher rates of tooth decay, higher rates of gum disease, and an increased need for restorative dental care — compared to nonveterans. A new white paper from CareQuest Institute
- [The Five Most Popular Publications of 2021](https://carequest.org/the-five-most-popular-publications-of-2021/) - Research is one of five Areas of Activation at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. It’s an integral part of our strategy to improve the oral health system and build a future where every person can reach their full potential through excellent health. Research is also one of our most prolific areas. In 2021, CareQuest researchers created and published more than
- [Voices from the Field: Dr. Scott Howell on Why Teledentistry Isn’t a Fad](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-dr-scott-howell-on-why-teledentistry-isnt-a-fad/) - Scott Howell, DMD, MPH, is an associate professor and director of public health dentistry and teledentistry at A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH). He is a fellow in George Washington University’s Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity program, which he will complete in 2022. Prior to dental school, Dr. Howell worked in portable dentistry as
- [Why These Two Providers Believe Teledentistry Is Here to Stay](https://carequest.org/why-these-two-providers-believe-teledentistry-is-here-to-stay/) - For Dr. Mina Paul and Dr. Brianna Hillier, teledentistry has been an invaluable addition to their daily work. “Teledentistry is here to stay, and I am absolutely an advocate,” said Paul. “There’s a lot more we can do.” In the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic required many providers like Dr. Paul and Dr. Hillier
- [Voices from the Field: Alex Sheff on Advocating Oral Health Care for All](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-alex-sheff-on-advocating-oral-health-care-for-all/) - Alex Sheff is co-director of policy and government relations at Health Care For All (HCFA), a consumer health advocacy organization that supports health justice in Massachusetts by working to promote health equity and ensure coverage and access for all. Since 2004, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has helped fund HCFA’s critical work around oral health in
- [An Introduction to Value-Based Care — in Five Minutes](https://carequest.org/an-introduction-to-value-based-care-in-five-minutes/) - The future of oral health is coming — and value-based care holds many of the keys to success. For more than two centuries, dentists (and much of health care) have practiced in a fee-for-service model. The way dentists work and the system that surrounds them — workflows, care delivery, reimbursement, staffing, documentation, technology, and measurement
- [Actions Anyone Can Take to Start Addressing Structural Racism in Health Care](https://carequest.org/actions-anyone-can-take-to-start-addressing-structural-racism-in-health-care/) - Racism. Antiracism. Health care. At first blush, it may not seem like those three terms fit together, but, more and more, we are starting to understand how racism and antiracism influence our health care systems and the care patients receive. In our latest CareQuest Institute for Oral Health webinar, our expert panel from oral health
- ['How Do You Not Include Dental Care in Overall Health?'](https://carequest.org/how-do-you-not-include-dental-care-in-overall-health/) - Nathan Fletcher, DDS, is the dental director at AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia, a Medicaid insurance company. He is chairman of the Board of Trustees and past president of the National Dental Association (NDA) and former NDA executive director. Dr. Fletcher is also former co-owner of Fletcher & Fletcher Dental Baltimore, MD, a role he held from 1996 – 2020. He graduated from Howard University College of Dentistry
- [Voices from the Field: Derek M. Griffith on the Connection Between Structural Racism and Health Outcomes](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-derek-m-griffith-on-the-connection-between-structural-racism-and-health-outcomes/) - Derek M. Griffith is a founding co-director of the Racial Justice Institute, founder and director of the Center for Men’s Health Equity, and professor of Health Systems Administration and Oncology at Georgetown University. He also is a contributor to and editor of Men’s Health Equity: A Handbook and Racism: Science and Tools for the Public Health Professional. Trained
- [Four Reasons More Providers Should Consider Using SDF](https://carequest.org/four-reasons-more-providers-should-consider-using-sdf/) - Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) — a liquid medication used to treat and prevent caries — has proven to be an especially valuable tool during the COVID-19 pandemic, when minimally invasive care became more widespread. Despite the black stain it leaves on the damaged cavity portion of the tooth, nearly 80% of adults in a recent survey think that
- [A Conversation on Oral Health Integration with Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan](https://carequest.org/a-conversation-on-oral-health-integration-with-dr-myechia-minter-jordan/) - It’s no secret that oral health affects a person’s overall health and quality of life. A simple toothache can turn a good day into a painful one pretty quickly. And, for many, pain is just the beginning. Growing research tells us that poor oral health can lead directly to a higher risk of chronic diseases like diabetes
- [Answers to 17 of Your Silver Diamine Fluoride Questions](https://carequest.org/answers-to-17-of-your-silver-diamine-fluoride-questions/) - Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been widely recognized as an effective noninvasive tool for the prevention and management of dental caries. And it has proven to be an invaluable treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. As noninvasive dentistry continues to rise in popularity, CareQuest Institute of Oral Health dedicated its latest webinar to an exploration of SDF.
- [Voices from the Field: Dr. Eleanor Fleming on Tackling Inequity and the Future of Oral Health](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-dr-eleanor-fleming-on-tackling-inequity-and-the-future-of-oral-health/) - Eleanor Fleming, PhD, DDS, MPH, is an associate professor in the department of Dental Public Health at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, TN. She’s also a Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Public Health and has worked for nine years as a dental epidemiologist. On top of that, she served as an officer in
- [Four Steps to Future-Proof Our Oral Health System](https://carequest.org/four-steps-to-future-proof-our-oral-health-system/) - This is an excerpt from the July 8 webinar “Consumer Perspectives on Oral Health Access, Outcomes, and Quality of Care.” Carolyn Brown, DDS, M.Ed, senior advisor, consultant, person-centered care at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, shared her perspective on future-proofing — designing or changing a system so it will continue to be useful and successful
- [Voices from the Field: Dr. Matthew Horan on Distributing Vaccines and Medical-Dental Integration](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-dr-matthew-horan-on-distributing-vaccines-and-medical-dental-integration/) - Dr. Matthew Horan is executive director of dental services at Harbor Health Services, a federally-qualified health center (FQHC) in Massachusetts. He also works part-time as a state dental director — dual roles that give him a unique perspective on how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed dentistry during the last 16 months. What’s next for the
- [Push for Portability: The Latest on Dentist and Dental Hygiene Compact Privileges](https://carequest.org/push-for-portability-the-latest-on-dentist-and-dental-hygiene-compact-privileges/) - Are you one of the dentists or dental hygienists who have a professional license in more than one state? If so, you are aware of the significant challenges and roadblocks of obtaining a professional license in another state — regardless of your education or experience. You, like Stephanie Clester, RDH, MA, may have a frustrating
- [Closing the Oral Health Care Gap for Rural Populations](https://carequest.org/closing-the-oral-health-care-gap-for-rural-populations/) - Rural populations face many barriers when it comes to accessing oral health care, including cost, transportation, distance, and availability of providers. Right now, 70 million people who live in the US, or one in five people, live in “dental deserts” — areas where no or very few dentists practice. Marcia Brand, former strategic advisor for CareQuest
- [Where to Find CareQuest Institute at the National Oral Health Conference](https://carequest.org/where-to-find-carequest-institute-at-the-national-oral-health-conference/) - From roundtable discussions about applying silver diamine fluoride (SDF), to seminars highlighting the importance of expanding state Medicaid adult dental benefits, to connecting with attendees about the latest oral health research, CareQuest Institute will have a prominent presence at the National Oral Health Conference (NOHC). The 2023 conference is scheduled from Monday, April 17 to Wednesday,
- [The Process of Rebuilding a School-Based Dental Sealant Program](https://carequest.org/the-process-of-rebuilding-a-school-based-dental-sealant-program/) - Danica Loring says she’s seen her fair share of people in need of oral care at Penobscot Community Health Care (PCHC) in Bangor, Maine — and not just adults. “We live in an area where there is a mixed group of community members, and there is a high number of the lower-income community members,” says Loring, CDA,
- [Oral Cancer: Recent Findings, Risk Factors, and the Role of Providers](https://carequest.org/oral-cancer-recent-findings-risk-factors-and-the-role-of-providers/) - Tooth decay is often cited as the most common disease that can threaten a person’s oral health and overall health. It’s true, but it’s certainly not the only threat. The most common sexually transmitted infection in the US, human papillomavirus (HPV), also poses a serious risk. HPV causes a majority of mouth and throat cancers. These oral
- [Understanding Eating Disorders — and How Dental Providers Can Help](https://carequest.org/understanding-eating-disorders-and-how-dental-providers-can-help/) - Eating Disorders and Oral Health During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, the number of articles, stories, and reports about mental illnesses increases. Organizations work to raise awareness, reduce stigmas, and provide myriad resources to support individuals and families and advocate for better access to care. Few headlines, however, focus on the connection between mental health and oral health. Research
- [Voices from the Field: Dr. Alayna Schoblaske on Improving Access to Care](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-dr-alayna-schoblaske-on-improving-access-to-care/) - While most kids hated wearing braces in fifth grade, Alayna Schoblaske, DMD, was the exception. That was when she realized she wanted to be a dentist. “I haven’t turned back since,” she says. Schoblaske came from a family of engineers and teachers, so the idea of working with her hands while educating patients about their
- [Teledentistry and Community Learning Help Kids Get Care in North Carolina](https://carequest.org/teledentistry-and-community-learning-help-kids-get-care-in-north-carolina/) - In just one school year, Blue Ridge Health in North Carolina has helped more than 1,200 children get the dental care they need through teledentistry. But that help comes with its challenges. “Internet connectiv . . .” says Ben Cozart, DDS, the dental director at Blue Ridge Health, cutting out, on cue, as he was
- [How Oral Health Affects Overall Health — and How to Improve Both](https://carequest.org/how-oral-health-affects-overall-health-and-how-to-improve-both/) - Tooth decay and gum disease can make it difficult to eat, talk, and concentrate. But the damage they do can go beyond our mouths. Oral health affects our overall health. Poor oral hygiene can raise the risk of several diseases elsewhere in our body, from diabetes to dementia. Fortunately, preventive care can help. And both policy
- [Voices from the Field: Drs. Taiwo Ngo and Kehinde Obeto on the Benefits of Medical-Dental Integration](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-drs-taiwo-ngo-and-kehinde-obeto-on-the-benefits-of-medical-dental-integration/) - Taiwo Ngo, DDS, and Kehinde Obeto, MD, have quite a few things in common: They’re both from Lagos, Nigeria. They both moved to Ohio to pursue careers in health care. And they both now provide care for underserved populations in the Toledo area. They’re also twins with strong family ties to health care. “While we
- [How Quality Data Is Transforming Oral Health Care in North Carolina](https://carequest.org/how-quality-data-is-transforming-oral-health-care-in-north-carolina/) - A picture may be worth a thousand words, but for two oral health care teams in North Carolina, it’s the numbers that are invaluable. “Data gives you a concrete picture of your practice,” says Rebecca Sykes, DDS, the dental director for Wake County Department of Health and Human Services Dental Clinic, a local health department, in
- [Caring for LGBTQ+ Patients: Five Tips and a Look at the Latest Data](https://carequest.org/caring-for-lgbtq-patients-five-tips-and-a-look-at-the-latest-data/) - When patients fill out a form at a dentist’s or doctor’s office, do they see themselves represented? For individuals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or have other sexual orientations or gender identities (LGBTQ+), the answer can sometimes be a hard “no.” And it’s an example of a larger problem in oral health: Structural
- [Easing Anxiety: Helping Afghan Refugees Access Oral Health Care](https://carequest.org/easing-anxiety-helping-afghan-refugees-access-oral-health-care/) - In early 2022, 700 Afghan refugees arrived in central Iowa, trying to settle into a community unlike any they’d ever seen. A strange landscape. A sea of unfamiliar faces. A new life. And they had 90 days to get settled. “The resettlement agencies had care coordination for 90 days — and that’s a federal guideline
- [Five Key Takeaways about Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits in 2023](https://carequest.org/five-key-takeaways-about-medicaid-adult-dental-benefits-in-2023/) - Public understanding of the connection between oral health and overall health has steadily grown in recent years. There is also widespread and accumulating research that shows increasing dental coverage allows for more equitable access to dental care across communities, lowers overall health care spending on chronic disease management and emergency department usage, positively impacts oral health outcomes for patients, and increases employment opportunities.
- [Barriers to Care Are Driving Oral Health Disparities. These Four Solutions Can Help.](https://carequest.org/barriers-to-care-are-driving-oral-health-disparities-these-four-solutions-can-help/) - Without regular, preventive dental care, early tooth decay or gum disease can worsen, hurting our overall health and increasing treatment costs. But many people can’t access the preventive services they need. Policy and structural barriers — from inadequate dental coverage to a lack of providers in their community — stand in their way, creating broad oral health disparities.
- [Voices from the Field: Dr. An Nguyen on “Third Cultures” and Quality Improvement](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-dr-an-nguyen-on-third-cultures-and-quality-improvement/) - As a public health dentist, An Nguyen, DDS, MPH, spends a lot of time thinking about the impact that place and space have on health outcomes. For her, the social determinants of health — the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age — shaped her path in
- [KINDness in Action: A Colorado Nonprofit Is Empowering Community Access to Oral Health Care](https://carequest.org/kindness-in-action-a-colorado-nonprofit-is-empowering-community-access-to-oral-health-care/) - Anid Naranjo, EDDA, a community dental health coordinator (CDHC) at Kids In Need of Dentistry (KIND), sees a lot of people in need of oral health care in Colorado. Sometimes, she can’t believe her eyes. “It was a young family that traveled through the jungle,” says Naranjo. “It just broke my heart to see.” Naranjo was able
- [Answers to 12 of Your Questions About Caries Management](https://carequest.org/answers-to-12-of-your-questions-about-caries-management/) - Avoiding a “one-size-fits-all” approach to caries management is critical as new evidence, new treatments, and new innovations continue to develop and shape the way dental teams manage the disease. CareQuest Institute, in collaboration with Kansas City University and the American Association of Public Health Dentistry, held a webinar, “Managing Dental Caries: Evolving Strategies and Proven
- [The Connections Between Periodontal Disease and Overall Health](https://carequest.org/the-connections-between-periodontal-disease-and-overall-health/) - It’s no secret that many people confront chronic illnesses, from heart disease to dementia, as they get older. We often hear about the importance of regular exercise and well-balanced diets to help us stave off these illnesses and stay healthy as we enter our seventh, eighth, and ninth decades. Healthy gums can help, too. The
- [Expanding Integration and Access for Children’s Dental Health](https://carequest.org/expanding-integration-and-access-for-childrens-dental-health/) - Early childhood caries remains the most common, preventable infectious disease among children in the United States. Preventing them is not always easy, though. Many families, often those who are facing financial hardships or living in rural areas, struggle to connect their children to timely dental care. Barriers to access— including geographic location, language, cultural, and
- [Voices from the Field: Dr. Lauren Rush on Community-Based Dentistry](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-dr-lauren-rush-on-community-based-dentistry/) - Giving back to the community is in Dr. Lauren Rush’s DNA. From a young age, Rush, DDS, the chief dental officer at MyCare Health Center in Michigan, watched as her parents put action behind their words when it came to helping the underserved. Her mother was a teacher in the Detroit public school system for more
- [The Value of Minimally Invasive Care: A Provider’s Perspective](https://carequest.org/the-value-of-minimally-invasive-care-a-providers-perspective/) - Throughout her career, Gretchen Henson, DDS, has provided personalized prevention recommendations for patients, knowing that they all have different backgrounds and lifestyles. “I spend so much of my appointment trying to figure out what their home life looks like, so we can tailor a plan for them,” Henson says. Henson does her work as the
- [Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits: A Progress Report and a Look to the Future](https://carequest.org/medicaid-adult-dental-benefits-a-progress-report-and-a-look-to-the-future/) - In July, CareQuest Institute and a group of partners and advisors released the 2022 Medicaid Adult Dental Coverage Checker. This updated interactive tool allows policymakers, administrators, and advocates to understand where a state’s Medicaid adult dental benefits package falls on a continuum from no dental benefits to extensive benefits and to identify opportunities for improvement. With
- [The CPT Code for the Application of Silver Diamine Fluoride, Explained](https://carequest.org/the-cpt-code-for-the-application-of-silver-diamine-fluoride-explained/) - On September 15, 2022, the American Medical Association (AMA) voted to approve a new procedure code for the application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) by medical professionals to arrest cavities. The addition of this code is a milestone in medical-dental integration and a step forward for oral health equity, providing access to this valuable treatment
- [A Team Effort: The Push for Better Oral Health Care for Individuals with Disabilities](https://carequest.org/a-team-effort-the-push-for-better-oral-health-care-for-individuals-with-disabilities/) - Early on in his 23-year tenure with the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD), Executive Director Dennis Borel noticed that some of his colleagues and people he socialized with who had disabilities had problems with their oral health. “I used to see a lot of my folks with missing teeth, sometimes no teeth, broken teeth, stained, bad
- [Advocacy in Action: How OPEN’s Virtual Hill Day Is Catalyzing Congressional Change](https://carequest.org/advocacy-in-action-how-opens-virtual-hill-day-is-catalyzing-congressional-change/) - By the numbers, OPEN’s Virtual Hill Day was a great success. There were more than 100 oral health advocates and Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN) members representing 37 states. Congressional staff from 59 Senate offices and 43 House offices also attended. They had one goal, together, of creating an oral health care system
- [Unique Oral Health Needs Among Elderly Individuals](https://carequest.org/unique-oral-health-needs-among-elderly-individuals/) - More than 65 million people nationwide count on Medicare for their health care, including senior citizens once they turn 65 and many adults with disabilities. However, this health program doesn’t include comprehensive dental care, a gap that pushes oral health care out of reach. This gap is especially harmful for seniors who live on limited
- [Voices from the Field: Amanpreet Kaur on Elevating Health Literacy](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-amanpreet-kaur-on-elevating-health-literacy/) - Amanpreet Kaur first encountered the concept of health literacy — defined as the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions — as a young college graduate. Although she had never heard the term before, it instantly made sense to her. “As a child of immigrant parents, I
- [The Five Most Popular CareQuest Institute Publications of 2023](https://carequest.org/the-five-most-popular-carequest-institute-publications-of-2023/) - The prevalence of early childhood caries in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities is three times higher than for white children. Black and AI/AN women are 2.9 and 2.5 times more likely, respectively, to die from pregnancy-related causes than non-Hispanic white women. There is growing evidence that individuals who use electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are at a
- [The Relationship Between Oral Health and Heart Disease](https://carequest.org/the-relationship-between-oral-health-and-heart-disease/) - Oral health is often viewed in isolation, yet its impact extends far beyond the mouth. Oral health can hurt the heart. Emerging research has established a concerning link between oral health and heart issues. Gum disease, for example, can trigger cardiovascular problems and increase the risk of having a heart attack. Tooth decay and other oral
- [Up to the Challenge: Finding New Ways to Expand Access to Care in Oregon](https://carequest.org/up-to-the-challenge-finding-new-ways-to-expand-access-to-care-in-oregon/) - As Operations and Policy Analyst I at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Vesna Hopkins has the goal of helping Oregonians get better access to oral health care. “As a dental analyst, my boss says, ‘Challenge me. Give me ideas. Tell me how do you want to improve dental health for Oregonians, and let’s talk about
- [Voices from the Field: Raydiance Swanston After a Year of Transforming Oral Health](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-raydiance-swanston-after-a-year-of-transforming-oral-health/) - In late 2022, Raydiance Swanston, MPH, CHES, was eager to bring the Community Oral Health Transformation (COrHT) program to the Mecklenburg County Pediatric Clinic in North Carolina. CareQuest Institute talked to Swanston at that time to discuss her expectations and why she felt the program — which provides a framework for safety net dental clinics to
- [Providing Equitable Care to Special Populations in North Carolina](https://carequest.org/providing-equitable-care-to-special-populations-in-north-carolina/) - Early in his career, Bill Milner, DDS, MPH, realized that special populations — especially people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the elderly — are often left behind when it comes to accessing oral health care. “There has been a gap in services in dentistry that we knew back in the 1980s had to be
- [Overcoming Barriers to Oral Health Care Access in Tanzania](https://carequest.org/overcoming-barriers-to-oral-health-care-access-in-tanzania/) - Katanta Simwanza, DDS, knows what it’s like to not have access to oral health care. “Growing up, I was surrounded by a high prevalence of dental diseases within my community where oral health services were scarce,” Simwanza says. “I, and many other children and elders alike, personally experienced the pain of dental abscesses and oral
- [A Collaborative Conversation: How to Elevate Black Voices in Oral Health Care](https://carequest.org/a-collaborative-conversation-how-to-elevate-black-voices-in-oral-health-care/) - From 2005 to 2020, the percentage of US dentists who identify as Black has stayed around 3.8%. “The stagnant nature of this percentage should give us all pause,” said Eleanor Fleming, PhD, DDS, MPH. “This disparity is why having conversations like this around Black dentists, Black workforce, and issues related to the Black community are important
- [Two Funding Opportunities to Advance Oral Health for Children and Veterans](https://carequest.org/two-funding-opportunities-to-advance-oral-health-for-children-and-veterans/) - CareQuest Institute is always seeking new voices representing historically marginalized communities to advance oral health. Through its philanthropic work, it partners with grassroots and community-based organizations that represent and engage those who are most directly impacted by oral health inequities. On March 13, the Institute is opening two new requests for proposals, looking to fund
- [Making Connections: How a Community Clinic Is Integrating Dental and Overall Care](https://carequest.org/making-connections-how-a-community-clinic-is-integrating-dental-and-overall-care/) - A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in southern California noticed an alarming statistic last year: Only about 22% of their pediatric medical patients were also going to their dental department. “We really wanted to promote the one-stop-shop, under-one-roof, collaborative care with the medical providers and really dig into why they weren’t seeking dental care at
- [Biden Administration Keeps Door Open for Oral Health Advocacy in 2024](https://carequest.org/biden-administration-keeps-door-open-for-oral-health-advocacy-in-2024/) - Earlier this month, President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address reiterated the administration's focus on improving the health of people across the country and lowering health costs for our nation’s families. Biden expressed his commitment to protecting health care access, making health insurance and prescription drugs more affordable, defending reproductive health care, and investing in the
- [Finding the Pathway to Interoperability at HIMSS 2024](https://carequest.org/finding-the-pathway-to-interoperability-at-himss-2024/) - The health care system in the United States is unique in many often-cited ways. It does not provide universal coverage, mixes publicly and privately funded insurances, and spends more on care per person than any other wealthy country. But the US system is similar to that of other countries in one way that was on display
- [Finding a New Way to Provide Dental Care to Children](https://carequest.org/finding-a-new-way-to-provide-dental-care-to-children/) - Carolina Family Health Centers, Inc. has provided medical and dental care for patients in three North Carolina counties for years. But during that time, the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) was having trouble accessing a specific part of the population that needed oral health care — children. “Since I’ve been here, within these nine years,
- [Nine Questions on Using Caries Management by Risk Assessment](https://carequest.org/nine-questions-on-using-caries-management-by-risk-assessment/) - Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) has existed for more than 20 years. But many oral health providers may be unfamiliar with why or how to use it. To help, Care Quest Institute and the American Dental Therapy Association recently partnered in an expert-led webinar about applying this valuable tool. Erinne Kennedy, DMD, MPH, MMSc, assistant dean for
- [Four Actions We Can Take Now to Improve Black Maternal Health](https://carequest.org/four-actions-we-can-take-now-to-improve-black-maternal-health/) - “Kira Johnson lost her life to the Black maternal health crisis not because she was unhealthy, uninsured, or unlucky, but because she was unheard,” said U.S. Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, who represents North Carolina’s 12th Congressional District. This week — Black Maternal Health Week — marks the eighth anniversary of Kira’s death following a hemorrhage
- [Answers to 11 Questions about New Recommendations for Patient Shielding](https://carequest.org/answers-to-11-questions-about-new-recommendations-for-patient-shielding/) - Many patients are used to donning large, heavy aprons when getting a dental X-ray. Since the 1950s, providers have thought it was vital to cover a patient’s body and throat for fear of exposing their reproductive organs, thyroid gland, and pregnancy to dangerous levels of radiation. Over the last decade, however, evidence about this practice
- [Protecting Oral Health Access: How Advocates Can Respond to Medicaid Cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act](https://carequest.org/protecting-oral-health-access-how-advocates-can-respond-to-medicaid-cuts-in-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act/) - More than 78 million people rely on Medicaid for their health care — about one in five people living in the US. The program is also a critical lifeline to dental care for people with disabilities, children, older adults, and families with low incomes. Medicaid is the largest source of federal funding to states, helping to
- [Memorable Sessions, Hot Topics, and Three Key Takeaways from the 2024 National Oral Health Conference](https://carequest.org/memorable-sessions-hot-topics-and-three-key-takeaways-from-the-2024-national-oral-health-conference/) - Last week, the National Oral Health Conference (NOHC) celebrated its 25th joint meeting of the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) and the American Association for Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) in St. Louis, Missouri. The conference is considered a “premier meeting for dental public health” — and CareQuest Institute was proud to be the Platinum Sponsor of this
- [Addressing an Unmet Need: Providing Oral Health Care for Adults with Disabilities](https://carequest.org/addressing-an-unmet-need-providing-oral-health-care-for-adults-with-disabilities/) - As a clinical assistant professor and dentist at the University of Florida (UF) College of Dentistry, Bryan Smallwood, DMD, MPH, CPH, has cared for thousands of patients. One in particular stands out to him. “I have a patient who had been to the operating room many times because other dentists couldn’t treat him,” Smallwood says.
- [Voices from the Field: Dr. Reeva Morton on Integrating Behavioral Health with Oral Health](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-dr-reeva-morton-on-integrating-behavioral-health-with-oral-health/) - As a licensed and nationally certified school psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst, Reeva Morton, PhD, BCBA-D, NCSP has her feet in two places at once: the University of Florida’s (UF) College of Medicine and the College of Dentistry. “With projects in the College of Dentistry, I’m a behavioral consultant, which I love because I'm able
- [Successes and Setbacks: 9 Quotes about Oral Health in 2025](https://carequest.org/successes-and-setbacks-9-quotes-about-oral-health-in-2025/) - 2025 brought significant challenges for the oral health system in the US, deepening what many already believe is a crisis. About 72 million Americans lack dental insurance today. State-level decisions to eliminate community water fluoridation threatened access and prevention efforts. And federal cuts to Medicaid will jeopardize dental benefits for millions in the coming years.
- [What Do We Mean by Interoperability in Oral Health?](https://carequest.org/what-do-we-mean-by-interoperability-in-oral-health/) - Welcome to the first installment in our blog series about transforming oral health! Every month, an expert from our Health Transformation team at CareQuest Institute will tackle a question from the oral health community covering one of three topics: How care is provided How payment is designed and delivered How data and reporting are shared
- [Pregnancy and Oral Health: 8 Answers that Cut Through the Myths](https://carequest.org/pregnancy-and-oral-health-8-answers-that-cut-through-the-myths/) - Medical and oral health experts have long agreed that dental care in pregnancy is safe, effective, and important. Untreated dental disease can lead to pregnancy complications and raise the risk of cavities in childhood. However, more than 8 in 10 obstetricians don’t use oral health screenings in prenatal visits. And some dental providers may also still
- [The Strength of Stories: Arizona’s Journey to Expand Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits](https://carequest.org/the-strength-of-stories-arizonas-journey-to-expand-medicaid-adult-dental-benefits/) - Nearly all Arizonans say oral health is important to them. But not all Arizonans have an easy time accessing care — especially those individuals without dental coverage. Arizona Medicaid adult dental benefits only cover emergencies and are capped at $1,000 with very few exceptions. For almost a decade, the Arizona Oral Health Coalition (AZOHC) has been working
- [Oral Health and Aging: Improving Access to Care for Older Adults](https://carequest.org/oral-health-and-aging-improving-access-to-care-for-older-adults/) - More and more baby boomers turn 65 every day, the magic age of Medicare eligibility. Recent estimates predict that 95 million seniors and people with disabilities will count on Medicare for their health insurance by 2060. But gaps in oral health coverage and care delivery for people enrolled in Medicare suggest the nation may not be ready
- [How Can You Promote Health Equity in Your Organization?](https://carequest.org/how-can-you-promote-health-equity-in-your-organization/) - As dental professionals and health care providers, we should recognize that every patient is unique in their care needs and will have specialized, unequal, treatment plans. In other words, dental clinics should promote health equity. What is health equity? Oral health equity ensures that all individuals have fair and just access to oral health care
- [A Seat at the Table: Improving Oral Health in Wisconsin](https://carequest.org/a-seat-at-the-table-improving-oral-health-in-wisconsin/) - “If they had a job, they could get real insurance and afford to get their teeth fixed.” “People are lazy if they have state insurance. They’re not as educated as others.” “Anyone could go to the dentist if they wanted to. They are choosing not to or not prioritizing it.” These are common perceptions about
- [Voices from the Field: Dr. Lauren Gritzer on Conducting a Needs Assessment for a Native American Tribe](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-dr-lauren-gritzer-on-conducting-a-needs-assessment-for-a-native-american-tribe/) - In November 2020, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital (MVH) Dental Clinic, the only clinic on the island accepting Massachusetts Medicaid (MassHealth), closed, worsening health care disparities for the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (WTGH). For many tribe members, including elders, removing local access to oral health care highlighted broader issues of limited provider availability, geographical isolation, and
- [How Community Voices Are Improving Oral Health in Utah](https://carequest.org/how-community-voices-are-improving-oral-health-in-utah/) - As a filmmaker, Paul Gibbs tells other people’s stories for a living. He didn’t know his own story — about trying to access oral health care — would have such a profound impact. “My dental care experience turned out to be much more expensive, invasive, and painful than it needed to be,” Gibbs says. “And
- [Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits Are on the Move in 2024](https://carequest.org/medicaid-adult-dental-benefits-are-on-the-move-in-2024/) - Oral health has been in the national spotlight recently thanks to a May 16 hearing of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP). The focus of the hearing was the dental crisis facing the US and how to make dental care more affordable and available to all. State policymakers and advocates are
- [4 Things to NOLA from the ADHA Conference](https://carequest.org/4-things-to-nola-from-the-adha-conference/) - With their expertise in the mouth-body connection, clinical skills, evidence-based practice, and position to influence to address health equity, dental hygienists are a key part of the health care team. Dental hygienists — and those topics — took center stage last week at adha24, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association’s annual conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, aka
- [Should We Say ‘Social Determinants of Health’ or ‘Social Drivers of Health’?](https://carequest.org/should-we-say-social-determinants-of-health-or-social-drivers-of-health/) - As we began creating self-paced courses for CareQuest Institute, we took a closer look at terminology in oral health care — terms like “value-based payment,” “fee-for-service,” “interoperability,” and “care coordination.” One phrase continued to give us pause and generate thoughtful discussion: social determinants of health. First, a definition: The phrase “social determinants of health” refers to
- [How to Advocate for Oral Health During the 2024 Election Season](https://carequest.org/how-to-advocate-for-oral-health-during-the-2024-election-season/) - Last month, the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN) brought together 170 oral health advocates to discuss how to engage with candidates and the media this election season and raise oral health as a key issue. Experts in advocacy, community engagement, and media shared their insights and tips with attendees at the 2024 OPEN
- [Inclusivity in Oral Health: ‘It’s Good to Be Reminded How Invasive [Dentistry] Can Be’](https://carequest.org/inclusivity-in-oral-health-its-good-to-be-reminded-how-invasive-dentistry-can-be/) - Robert MacArthur, DMD, is well aware of how a patient could feel uncomfortable sitting in a dental chair. “Dentistry is an extremely invasive profession,” MacArthur says. “It requires a lot of trust, and it’s really humbling when I put myself in the dental chair at least twice a year just for a regular cleaning. It’s
- [Giving Beyond Oral Health: CareQuest Institute Initiative Supports Local Communities](https://carequest.org/giving-beyond-oral-health-carequest-institute-initiative-supports-local-communities/) - In 2024, CareQuest Institute has awarded more than $8.3 million in grants to organizations that are helping underserved populations gain better access to oral health care. That work, core to CareQuest Institute’s DNA, is focused on the oral health system. Help, of course, is needed in other areas, too — in housing, in disease research,
- [Children’s Use of Emergency Departments for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions](https://carequest.org/childrens-use-of-emergency-departments-for-non-traumatic-dental-conditions/) - Spotlight on Florida Previous reports from CareQuest Institute have analyzed why and how frequently adults visit an emergency department (ED) for dental conditions that could be best treated in a dental setting. This report is the first to explore children’s use of EDs for non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDCs), finding that Florida had the highest rate
- [Transforming Incentives: Moving to Alternative Payment Models in Oral Health](https://carequest.org/transforming-incentives-moving-to-alternative-payment-models-in-oral-health/) - al·ter·na·tive: of one or more things available as another possibility. Reusable water bottles as an alternative to single-use plastic bottles. Oat milk as an alternative to dairy milk. An electric toothbrush as an alternative to a manual toothbrush. When trying new things, there are always growing pains. The same is true in oral health, as
- [Access & Academics: Improving Oral Health Through Schools](https://carequest.org/access-academics-improving-oral-health-through-schools/) - Ensuring children have access to oral health care is a local challenge in many parts of the country. “Maine has reached a low in access to care like we’ve never seen,” says Courtney Vannah, IDPH, MS, MPH, senior program manager at MCD Global Health, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people
- [Take Action This Election Season: Candidates Need to Hear about Oral Health](https://carequest.org/take-action-this-election-season-candidates-need-to-hear-about-oral-health/) - For far too many people in this country, oral health care is too expensive and out of reach — even though we know it is critically important to overall health. And for far too long, despite strong support from voters, candidates and policymakers have consistently put “access to oral health” on the backburner. This election
- [Voices from the Field: Dr. Thanos Zavras on Improving Oral Health Care for Patients with Disabilities](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-dr-thanos-zavras-on-improving-oral-health-care-for-patients-with-disabilities/) - Thanos Zavras, DDS, MS, DMSc, knows that dentistry is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, especially for people with disabilities. “While the art and science of dentistry has made significant progress, along with major technological breakthroughs such as digital imaging, digital dentistry, and so much more,” he says, “access to dental care for people with intellectual and
- [By the Numbers: Four Trends from the 2024 Healthcare Data and Analytics Association Conference](https://carequest.org/by-the-numbers-four-trends-from-the-2024-healthcare-data-and-analytics-association-conference/) - Data analytics — the process of converting data into useful insights — may not be on the top of your to-do list every morning. But for the more than 350 people who attended the 2024 Healthcare Data and Analytics Association (HDAA) Annual Conference in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the topic filled three engaging days of learning in
- [7 Questions on Improving Access and Care for Hispanic and Latino Communities](https://carequest.org/7-questions-on-improving-access-and-care-for-hispanic-and-latino-communities/) - It’s essential to meet patients where they are — whether that means bringing a mobile clinic to their school or making an effort to understand their language. That was one theme from a recent webinar, “Advancing Equity in Hispanic and Latino Communities: Strategies to Integrate Compassionate Care,” from CareQuest Institute and the Hispanic Dental Association
- [License Portability Is Here. Is Your State on Board with Dentist and Dental Hygiene Compact Privileges?](https://carequest.org/license-portability-is-here-is-your-state-on-board-with-dentist-and-dental-hygiene-compact-privileges/) - Five years ago, license portability was only a dream for many dentists and dental hygienists who needed to practice in more than one state. No matter the reason — a need to relocate or the desire to volunteer at an out-of-state event — oral health providers were either unable to practice or had to find
- [The Urgent Case for Improving Veteran Oral Health](https://carequest.org/the-urgent-case-for-improving-veteran-oral-health/) - They’ve served our country, putting their lives on the line, yet many can’t even access basic, necessary oral health care services. “One veteran was preparing to have to make a choice to either pay for the dental procedure he needed or buy Christmas presents for his grandchildren,” says Rob Tempel, DDS, retired US Army Major
- [11 Questions on Providing Minimally Invasive Dentistry for Pediatric Patients](https://carequest.org/11-questions-on-providing-minimally-invasive-dentistry-for-pediatric-patients/) - Minimally invasive dentistry (MID) is a philosophy of care that emphasizes prevention and seeks to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible. And it’s growing in popularity. In a recent CareQuest Institute webinar, “Innovative Pediatric Dental Care: Exploring Minimally Invasive Procedures,” panelists described their approach to MID, specifically for pediatric patients. They discussed important
- [What Does LinkedIn Think About . . .](https://carequest.org/what-does-linkedin-think-about/) - We feel fortunate to have nearly 28,000 CareQuest Institute for Oral Health LinkedIn followers. And because our mission is to improve the oral health of all, we have a wide range of followers — everyone from dentists, dental hygienists, and students to policymakers, researchers, and countless stakeholders who want to see a better oral health system. To
- [Research Recap: The Five Most Popular CareQuest Institute Publications of 2024](https://carequest.org/research-recap-the-five-most-popular-carequest-institute-publications-of-2024/) - Oral health is overall health. It’s more than a mantra, and nothing drives that fact home more than the research done in 2024 by CareQuest Institute. A few key findings from popular reports published this year show: Among children with a heart condition, about one in six have at least one sign of poor oral health. Tooth
- [Voices from 2024: 11 Quotes about Changes and Challenges in Oral Health](https://carequest.org/voices-from-2024-11-quotes-about-changes-and-challenges-in-oral-health/) - As 2024 comes to an end, the road to creating a better oral health care system continues. Yes, we saw roadblocks and detours, but we also made tremendous progress as a community committed to change. There were several memorable stops and milestones along the way: This year, CareQuest Institute joined other oral health leaders and
- [How a New Fact Sheet Can Help Drive Oral Health Innovation](https://carequest.org/how-a-new-fact-sheet-can-help-drive-oral-health-innovation/) - Although the medical industry has used electronic data interchange (EDI) for years to share patient health information among health care providers, systems, and organizations, the dental industry is still lagging. But a recently released fact sheet from Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI) represents a significant step forward in addressing the challenges of interoperability and efficiency in
- [What Do the Changes in DC Mean for Oral Health Policy?](https://carequest.org/what-do-the-changes-in-dc-mean-for-oral-health-policy/) - For far too many people in America, good oral health is too expensive and out of reach. Too many families must make impossible trade-offs between getting the care they need and going into debt or putting food on the table. As we head into 2025, we need to ensure that policymakers understand the importance of
- [Despite Progress, Millions Still Face Barriers to Adequate Oral Health Care](https://carequest.org/despite-progress-millions-still-face-barriers-to-adequate-oral-health-care/) - Discrimination. Cost. Education. Employment. Together, they are four powerful socioeconomic factors that act as barriers to adequate oral health for millions of adults in the United States. The newest CareQuest Institute report, Does Our Oral Health Care System Welcome Everyone? dives into those factors in great — and concerning — detail. The report features findings from
- [Dental Therapy Demystified: 11 Questions on Capabilities, Employment, and Education](https://carequest.org/dental-therapy-demystified-11-questions-on-capabilities-employment-and-education/) - Dental therapy is expanding as more states authorize dental therapists to practice. But there are still a lot of questions when it comes to dental therapists’ capabilities, employment, and education. During a recent CareQuest Institute webinar, “Dental Therapy: Examining the Misconceptions and Opportunities,” panelists discussed the current legislative landscape and scope of practice for dental
- [Trauma-Informed Care: Creating a Safe Space for Dental Patients](https://carequest.org/trauma-informed-care-creating-a-safe-space-for-dental-patients/) - Leaning the chair back. The sounds of dental instruments. Closing the door to the room. These may seem like normal experiences at a dental office, but for some patients who have experienced trauma, they can trigger stress and anxiety. And if those triggers are ignored by the dental team, the patient could be retraumatized. Trauma
- [Voices from the Field: Dr. Jessica Robertson on Providing Care in Rural Areas](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-dr-jessica-robertson-on-providing-care-in-rural-areas/) - For Jessica Robertson, DMD, relocating from Southern California to rural Arizona has taken some adjusting. “Moving to a small town was quite different,” she says, “not having a mall just around the corner or the amusement park an hour away.” Some of the clinics where she provides care are even farther. Robertson is a board-certified
- [One Word and Three Takeaways from NOHC 2025](https://carequest.org/one-word-and-three-takeaways-from-nohc-2025/) - Uncertainty? Yes, plenty of that. Apprehension? A bit. Anxiety? There was some of that too. None of those words, though, sum up the mood, feeling, and spirit of the 2025 National Oral Health Conference (NOHC). The word that does? Resilience. “Some people are more optimistic in times of change,” said Lyubov Slashcheva, DDS, MS, DABDPH,
- [Voices from the Field: Mary Lynne Davis on Improving Pediatric Oral Health Outcomes](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-mary-lynne-davis-on-improving-pediatric-oral-health-outcomes/) - Early in her career as a dental assistant, Mary Lynne Davis, CRDH, had the privilege of working with a dentist who was deeply committed to creating a comfortable, caring experience for every patient. His passion left a lasting impression on her, shaping the way she approached patient care throughout her career as an assistant, a
- [‘They’ve done so much for us. Why aren’t we taking care of them?’](https://carequest.org/theyve-done-so-much-for-us-why-arent-we-taking-care-of-them/) - It’s a nationwide problem for our nation’s heroes: Veterans struggle to get access to oral health care. For a veteran to get dental benefits from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), they need to have been a former prisoner of war, be 100% disabled, or have a service-related dental injury. Out of the 9 million
- [Voices from the Field: A Student Perspective on OPEN Hill Day](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-a-student-perspective-on-open-hill-day/) - OPEN Hill Day brought more than 90 members from across the US to Capitol Hill to meet with legislators about prioritizing oral health in their communities. For this Hill Day on May 14, the fourth one since 2019, there was more at stake: Potential Medicaid cuts are on the horizon, some policymakers are pushing to
- [Seeking Comments: Let’s Elevate Oral Health in the National Interoperability Conversation](https://carequest.org/seeking-comments-lets-elevate-oral-health-in-the-national-interoperability-conversation/) - The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have made it clear that patients must be at the center of our digital ecosystem and are asking one critical question: How should federal policy evolve to support more connected, patient-centered care? A few weeks ago, CMS and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT
- [Better Health Through Oral Health: Four Takeaways (and Four Questions) from the Primary Care Collaborative Conference](https://carequest.org/better-health-through-oral-health-four-takeaways-and-four-questions-from-the-primary-care-collaborative-conference/) - “We leave dental out all the time. It makes no sense.” “The mouth is the gateway to the body, so focusing on oral health has great impact on other conditions downstream.” “The best care meets the demands of the life of the patient.” Those quotes — and others like them — stuck with both of
- [Connecting the Dots: Two Innovative Approaches that Help Kids Access Care](https://carequest.org/connecting-the-dots-two-innovative-approaches-that-help-kids-access-care/) - For children across the US, accessing oral health care has its obstacles. The main one? “They don’t have a choice in the matter,” says Stacy Nehmer, Executive Director of More Smiles Wisconsin, a nonprofit that provides health-related community care to people in need. Parents who work during the day may struggle to find time to
- [Veterans Deserve Dental Care: A Push for Policy Solutions](https://carequest.org/veterans-deserve-dental-care-a-push-for-policy-solutions/) - For far too many veterans, dental care is unaffordable and out of reach. Gaps in dental benefits and difficulty finding providers push many veterans to go without care — or to extreme lengths to get it. That’s why CareQuest Institute is leading efforts to educate policymakers and drive awareness of these gaps in care. Last week,
- [It’s Time, Right Now, for Policy Leaders to Address America’s Oral Health Crisis](https://carequest.org/its-time-right-now-for-policy-leaders-to-address-americas-oral-health-crisis/) - The reality is both stark and straightforward: People in the US are already facing an oral health crisis — and recent policy changes are likely to make it worse. Seventy-two million people in the US already lack dental insurance, and millions more struggle to find affordable care in their area. Many people in the US
- [Resources, Resilience, and Real Change: How Community Health Centers in North Carolina Are Improving the Oral Health System](https://carequest.org/resources-resilience-and-real-change-how-community-health-centers-in-north-carolina-are-improving-the-oral-health-system/) - CareQuest Institute is working to transform the oral health system of the future into one that is accessible, equitable, and integrated — but none of that work would be possible without our Community Health Center (CHC) partners. Today, and this National Health Center Week, we are showing our appreciation (and sharing a helpful resource) for
- [6 Questions on HPV That Every Dental Health Provider Should Know](https://carequest.org/6-questions-on-hpv-that-every-dental-health-provider-should-know/) - Can someone transmit human papillomavirus (HPV) even if they don’t have any visible lesions or symptoms? Is it true that the HPV vaccine is not recommended for older adults because they may have already been infected? Do only girls need the HPV vaccine? The questions came fast during CareQuest Institute’s recent webinar, “Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- [Out of Pocket: A Snapshot of Adults’ Dental and Medical Care Coverage](https://carequest.org/out-of-pocket-a-snapshot-of-adults-dental-and-medical-care-coverage/) - How many adults in the US do not have dental insurance? Approximately 72 million adults in the US (27%) do not have dental insurance — almost three times the percentage of adults who lack health insurance — according to CareQuest Institute’s latest State of Oral Health Equity in America survey. The State of Oral Health
- [National Oral Health Organization Praises Senate Inclusion of Dental Medicare Benefit in “Human Infrastructure” Budget Blueprint](https://carequest.org/national-oral-health-organization-praises-senate-inclusion-of-dental-medicare-benefit-in-human-infrastructure-budget-blueprint/) - “Millions of older Americans and people with disabilities served by the Medicare program are one step closer to a more equitable health care system.” CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a leading national organization focused on improving oral health, is praising the Senate's inclusion of Medicare dental coverage in its budget blueprint. Strengthening Medicare by including
- [National Oral Health Leader Launches Major Ad Campaign to Support Medicare Dental Benefit](https://carequest.org/national-oral-health-leader-launches-major-ad-campaign-to-support-medicare-dental-benefit/) - CareQuest Institute for Oral Health’s campaign will run in 16 key Senate districts. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a national organization focused on improving oral health of all, today launched a multi-platform digital advertising campaign advocating for the inclusion of dental coverage under Medicare Part B. The United States Senate included a Medicare dental benefit
- [Oral Health Pandemic Response Workgroup Urges Federal Prioritization of Oral Health](https://carequest.org/oral-health-pandemic-response-workgroup-urges-federal-prioritization-of-oral-health/) - Group Asks to Convene Stakeholders and Develop Action Plan to Promote Health Equity and Access. The Oral Health Pandemic Response Workgroup, a group of executives from across the dental landscape convened by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, is urging health officials at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prioritize oral
- [CareQuest Institute for Oral Health on Congress’ Failure to Include a Dental Benefit in Medicare](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-for-oral-health-on-congress-failure-to-include-a-dental-benefit-in-medicare/) - “Today’s announcement is a huge disappointment to all those who care so deeply about creating a more equitable health system.” CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a leading national organization focused on improving oral health for all, expressed disappointment in the reconciliation framework announced today that does not include a Medicare dental benefit, despite massive support
- [CareQuest Institute Joins 90 Organizations Urging Congress to Lift Funding Ban on Dental Workforce Programs](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-joins-90-organizations-urging-congress-to-lift-funding-ban-on-dental-workforce-programs/) - Group seeks to ensure states have access to federal grants for dental therapy programs in FY2023. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, joined a nonpartisan group of organizations urging Congress to lift a federal funding ban that prohibits states and Tribal communities
- [CareQuest Institute on President Biden’s State of the Union Address](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-on-president-bidens-state-of-the-union-address/) - National Nonprofit Commends President’s Commitment to Improving Medicare and to Lowering Health Care Costs. Following the Presidential State of the Union Address, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, commended President Joe Biden’s commitment to improving access and care in the
- [CareQuest Institute: Pass Build Back Better Act](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-pass-build-back-better-act/) - National Nonprofit Calls for Legislation to Reduce Health Care Costs and Improve Access and Equity. Following recent developments in Washington, DC, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health stressed the importance of passing the Build Back Better Act to lower health care costs, improve access, and promote equity for millions of people across the country. CareQuest Institute
- [President and CEO of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan Named to Extraordinary Women Advancing Healthcare Awards](https://carequest.org/president-and-ceo-of-carequest-institute-for-oral-health-dr-myechia-minter-jordan-named-to-extraordinary-women-advancing-healthcare-awards/) - Award Recognizes Dr. Minter-Jordan’s Transformative Leadership in Health Equity CareQuest Institute for Oral Health announced today that President and CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan will be receiving a Second Annual Extraordinary Women Advancing Healthcare Award (EWAH) from The Commonwealth Institute (TCI), the leading nonprofit organization devoted to advancing all women leaders. This groundbreaking award reaches across diverse
- [CareQuest Institute for Oral Health Applauds Texas’s New Law Allowing Teledentistry](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-for-oral-health-applauds-texass-new-law-allowing-teledentistry/) - Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law legislation legalizing the use of teledentistry (TX HB 2056), requiring health benefit plans to cover approved oral health services delivered remotely. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health CEO and President Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan issued the following statement, commending the community-based advocates and health care experts who worked together with Texas
- [CareQuest Institute Applauds Senate Plan to Strengthen Medicare to Include Oral Health Care Benefit](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-applauds-senate-plan-to-strengthen-medicare-to-include-oral-health-care-benefit/) - President and CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan calls Senate action “a step toward fixing this giant gap in how we care for older adults and people with disabilities and a move toward a more equitable health care system for all.” Last night, members of the Senate Budget Committee announced an agreement on an infrastructure package that
- [Coalition of Leading Health Professionals and Advocates Calls on Congress to Act Now to Strengthen Medicare by Adding Dental Coverage](https://carequest.org/coalition-of-leading-health-professionals-and-advocates-calls-on-congress-to-act-now-to-strengthen-medicare-by-adding-dental-coverage/) - Group urges Congress to use savings from Medicare drug pricing provisions to make dental, vision, and hearing coverage available for 60M Medicare beneficiaries. Calling it an imperative to “improve equity, access, and health outcomes,” today a coalition of health industry executives, clinical professionals, public health experts, and advocates sent a letter to Congress urging expansion of
- [Public Comment: FDA Advisory Committee Meeting — Use of Orally Ingestible Prescription Drug Products Containing Fluoride for the Pediatric Population](https://carequest.org/public-comment-fda-advisory-committee-meeting-use-of-orally-ingestible-prescription-drug-products-containing-fluoride-for-the-pediatric-population/) - CareQuest Institute issued a public comment to the US Food and Drug Administration supporting the overwhelming scientific evidence of the safety and effectiveness of fluoride supplements. CareQuest Institute urged the FDA to keep pediatric fluoride prescription therapies on the market and available to children and families who choose to use them. The FDA sought public
- [Oral Health Is Essential to Veteran Productivity and Well-Being](https://carequest.org/oral-health-is-essential-to-veteran-productivity-and-well-being/) - Nearly 600,000 veterans reported productivity loss in the past year due to oral health problems, according to a report from CareQuest Institute and the American Institute of Dental Public Health. The report finds that lack of access to dental care leads to significant losses in productivity time and money for veterans and their employers. Other
- [CareQuest Institute Awards $1.25 Million in Grant Funding for School-Related Oral Health Initiatives](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-awards-1-25-million-in-grant-funding-for-school-related-oral-health-initiatives/) - Funds Support Grantees to Improve Oral Health Access and Outcomes Through School-Based Programs. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, has awarded $1.25 million in grant funds for school-based and school-linked initiatives to improve oral health outcomes. Grants were awarded to
- [With Deal On Prescription Drugs, Oral Health Advocates Urge Savings To Go Toward Inclusion Of Medicare Dental Benefit](https://carequest.org/with-deal-on-prescription-drugs-oral-health-advocates-urge-savings-to-go-toward-inclusion-of-medicare-dental-benefit/) - CareQuest Institute President and CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan: “By closing this giant gap in our Medicare system, we’ll be building a path to a healthier future for millions of people who have been left behind by a broken health system.” With Congressional Democrats announcing an agreement to lower prescription drug prices, and a reported plan to use at least
- [CareQuest Institute and American Institute of Dental Public Health Issue Recommendations on Veteran Oral Health](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-and-american-institute-of-dental-public-health-issue-recommendations-on-veteran-oral-health/) - Organizations Highlight Need to Expand Access, Improve Care for Veterans. Today, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH) issued several strategic recommendations to improve veteran oral health, highlighting a worrying gap in care and access. Compared to nonveterans, veterans are more likely to experience worse oral health outcomes, including higher
- [CareQuest Institute CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan Presents on Health Equity at SXSW](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-ceo-dr-myechia-minter-jordan-presents-on-health-equity-at-sxsw/) - CEO of National Nonprofit Makes “Business Case” for Investing in BIPOC Communities to Achieve Health Equity. Highlighting racism as a public health crisis, Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, president and CEO of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health – a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system – led a presentation at SXSW this
- [Americans Are Not Getting the Dental Care They Need, According to a National CareQuest Institute Survey](https://carequest.org/americans-are-not-getting-the-dental-care-they-need-according-to-a-national-carequest-institute-survey/) - 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
- [Surveys Show Older Adults Delayed Dental Care More Than Any Other Care During Pandemic](https://carequest.org/surveys-show-older-adults-delayed-dental-care-more-than-any-other-care-during-pandemic/) - CareQuest Institute calls for Medicare dental benefit as America faces anticipated pandemic-related spike in oral health needs. A new analysis has shown that older adults delayed dental care more than any other health care during the pandemic, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health announced today. CareQuest Institute – a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and
- [National Oral Health Groups Applaud U.S. Senator Sanders for Legislative Push to Improve Access to Oral Health Care for Veterans](https://carequest.org/national-oral-health-groups-applaud-u-s-senator-sanders-for-legislative-push-to-improve-access-to-oral-health-care-for-veterans/) - Senator Files Amendments to Help Eliminate Barriers to Dental Care Faced by Many Veterans. American Institute of Dental Public Health and CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® today commended U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) for filing amendments to help expand access to dental care for veterans. The amendments are being considered as part of the Honoring Our Promise to Address
- [New CareQuest Institute Report Reveals Growing Link Between Mental Health and Oral Health](https://carequest.org/new-carequest-institute-report-reveals-growing-link-between-mental-health-and-oral-health/) - In Recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Report Highlights Eight Findings on How Depression is Linked to Oral Health. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® — a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system — released a new report during Mental Health Awareness Month that spotlights the growing
- [New Report: 77 Million Adults Do Not Have Dental Insurance](https://carequest.org/new-report-77-million-adults-do-not-have-dental-insurance/) - CareQuest Institute Releases New Data on Inequities in Oral Health Care. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® released new data on inequities in oral health care from the second annual State of Oral Health Equity in America survey in a webinar last week. According to the survey, 77 million adults in the US do not have dental insurance, and disparities in
- [CareQuest Institute Partners with Journal of Public Health Dentistry on Anti-Racism Issue](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-partners-with-journal-of-public-health-dentistry-on-anti-racism-issue/) - Special Issue Focuses on Moving Toward Anti-Racist Practices in Dental Public Health. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® has partnered with the Journal of Public Health Dentistry (JPHD) to release a special issue this month on anti-racist solutions in dental public health. JPHD is published on behalf of the American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD). The special issue, “Antiracism in Dental Public Health: Engaging Science,
- [CareQuest Institute Awards $2.3 Million in Grant Funding for Projects Focused on Advancing Equity](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-awards-2-3-million-in-grant-funding-for-projects-focused-on-advancing-equity/) - Funds Support Grantees to Advance Health Care Policy, Build Community Capacity, and Expand Access to Care. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, has awarded more than $2.3 million in grant funds to help advance equity in oral health across the
- [CareQuest Institute Applauds Congressional Leaders for Urging Expansion of Dental Health Coverage](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-applauds-congressional-leaders-for-urging-expansion-of-dental-health-coverage-2/) - Members of the U.S. House and Senate Sent Letters to the Federal Administration Advocating for Greater Access to Dental Care Under Medicare. Today, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® — a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system — applauded members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives
- [CareQuest Institute CEO Testifies at Senate Committee Hearing on Dental Care Crisis in US](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-ceo-testifies-at-senate-committee-hearing-on-dental-care-crisis-in-us/) - Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA, Addressed the US Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Today, Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA, president and CEO of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® — a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system — testified before the Senate HELP Committee about dental care affordability and
- [Citing New Data on Racial Disparities in Oral Health Care, CareQuest Institute Urges Improvements in Dental Coverage](https://carequest.org/citing-new-data-on-racial-disparities-in-oral-health-care-carequest-institute-urges-improvements-in-dental-coverage/) - Nonprofit Urges Improvements in Dental Coverage to Reduce Health Disparities. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® — a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system — today released new data on racial and ethnic disparities in oral health care from its second annual State of Oral Health Equity in
- [12 Million People Lost Dental Coverage after COVID-19 Public Health Emergency](https://carequest.org/12-million-people-lost-dental-coverage-after-covid-19-public-health-emergency/) - New Analysis Reveals Impact of Medicaid Redetermination Process on Access to Dental Health Care and Oral Health Equity. A new analysis from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® — a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system — reveals that 12 million people across the country lost Medicaid dental
- [Cost, Race, and the Persistent Challenges in Our Oral Health System](https://carequest.org/cost-race-and-the-persistent-challenges-in-our-oral-health-system/) - Results from CareQuest Institute’s 2023 State of Oral Health Equity in America annual survey show that oral health disparities persist in the US, and that discrimination and socioeconomic factors are two leading contributors. https://youtu.be/2KXuaseRH8U Oral Health Disparities Persist Key findings, summarized in a research report, include: More than half of Black adults (52%)
- [Oral Health Organizations Urge Congress to Strengthen Extensive Adult Dental Benefits for All State Medicaid Programs](https://carequest.org/oral-health-organizations-urge-congress-to-strengthen-extensive-adult-dental-benefits-for-all-state-medicaid-programs/) - Oral Health Leaders Say This Change Will Promote Positive Health Outcomes, Address Inequities, and Curb Rising Health Care Costs. The Oral Health Response Workgroup, a collection of leaders and organizations from across the dental industry, is calling on Congress to improve oral health equity and access by including extensive adult dental benefits in all state
- [CareQuest Institute Funds 100 Million Mouths Campaign to Integrate Oral Health into Primary Care](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-funds-100-million-mouths-campaign-to-integrate-oral-health-into-primary-care/) - Initiative, Part of CareQuest Institute’s Grantmaking Efforts, Aims to Establish an Oral Health Champion in Each State. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, is partnering with the Center for Integration of Primary Care and Oral Health (CIPCOH) on a campaign to designate
- [New Tool Launches to Assess Extensiveness of Medicaid Adult Dental Coverage](https://carequest.org/new-tool-launches-to-assess-extensiveness-of-medicaid-adult-dental-coverage/) - The Medicaid Adult Dental Coverage Checker Categorizes Benefits to Help Identify Potential Areas for Improvement. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, in partnership with the American Dental Association (ADA) Health Policy Institute, Center for Health Care Strategies, Inc., and the National Academy of State Health Policy (NASHP), announced the release of an innovative new resource to
- [Helping Older Adults with Their Oral Health . . . from Miles Away](https://carequest.org/helping-older-adults-with-their-oral-health-from-miles-away/) - For the past four years, Tirzah Weiskotten has been trying to help her 75-year-old father from more than 500 miles away. “I face a lot of challenges,” Weiskotten says. “Caregiving from far away is very different from living with him at home and seeing him day to day.” Her father was diagnosed with dementia in
- [CareQuest Institute Report Highlights Serious Oral Health Risks from Vaping](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-report-highlights-serious-oral-health-risks-from-vaping/) - Risks Include Bone Loss, Dental Decay, and “Hairy Tongue”. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, released a report that points to a variety of oral health risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes, including gum disease, dental decay, bone loss, and hairy tongue.
- [CareQuest Institute Seeks Research Proposals](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-seeks-research-proposals/) - CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, is launching a request for proposals (RFP) to invite researchers to apply to utilize CareQuest Institute data resources to complete a peer-reviewed publication. Research proposals should align with one of six focus areas geared toward building a future
- [Navigating Dental Hygienist Licensure in Multiple States](https://carequest.org/navigating-dental-hygienist-licensure-in-multiple-states/) - Obtaining a license in dental hygiene or dentistry in more than one state has historically been quite challenging, especially for those who live near state borders or need to move to another state. But the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) is listening to dental hygienists’ needs for licensure portability and navigating individual state requirements. With grant funding
- [White Paper Reveals Striking Data on Health Disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native Communities](https://carequest.org/white-paper-reveals-striking-data-on-health-disparities-in-american-indian-and-alaska-native-communities/) - Authors Offer Recommendations on How to Address Health Inequities. Today, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, the Society of American Indian Dentists (SAID), and the National Indian Health Board’s (NIHB) Tribal Oral Health Initiative released a white paper on oral health disparities in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. The white paper, “American Indian and Alaska Native Communities Face
- [New CareQuest Institute Analysis: More Than 14 Million People May Lose Dental Coverage Under Medicaid Redetermination](https://carequest.org/new-carequest-institute-analysis-more-than-14-million-people-may-lose-dental-coverage-under-medicaid-redetermination/) - First-Of-Its Kind Analysis Reveals Impact Redetermination Process Will Have on Access to Dental Health Care and Oral Health Equity. A new analysis from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® — a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system — reveals that more than 14 million people across the
- [CareQuest Institute Urges Extension of Postpartum Medicaid Benefits to Improve Maternal Health](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-urges-extension-of-postpartum-medicaid-benefits-to-improve-maternal-health/) - New Report Recommends Extension of Benefits to Reduce Racial Disparities in Birth Outcomes. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® — a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system — released a new report urging states to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage from 60 days to at least 12 months to help
- [CareQuest Institute Awards $2.7 Million in Grants to Help Advance Health Equity](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-awards-2-7-million-in-grants-to-help-advance-health-equity/) - Funds Support Grantees Working with Marginalized Communities to Address Oral health Disparities. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, has awarded more than $2.7 million in grant funds so far this year to help advance equity through oral health. The grants,
- [CareQuest Institute Supports New Bill to Add Comprehensive Dental Benefits to Medicare](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-supports-new-bill-to-add-comprehensive-dental-benefits-to-medicare/) - Representative Barragán and Senator Cardin file bill to address unmet dental needs of older adults, people with disabilities. Today, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® — a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system — expressed its support of a new bill that would add comprehensive dental benefits to
- [Voices from the Field: Dr. Hal Jeter on the Benefits of Alternative Payment Models in Dentistry](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-dr-hal-jeter-on-the-benefits-of-alternative-payment-models-in-dentistry/) - As immediate past president of the Ohio Dental Association (ODA) and member of the ODA’s Executive Committee, Hal Jeter, DDS, has had the privilege of participating in several projects that seek to improve access to dental care, especially for underserved populations. One such initiative is Medical Oral Expanded Care (MORE Care®) in Ohio, which he
- [CareQuest Institute Applauds US House and Senate Bills to Improve Veteran Oral Health](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-applauds-us-house-and-senate-bills-to-improve-veteran-oral-health/) - Legislation Would Require The Dept. Of Veterans Affairs To Assess Its Oral Health Care Program And Its Ability To Meet The Needs Of Veterans. Today, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® — a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system — applauds members of the US House and Senate
- [How Hygienists Are Providing Critical Oral Care to ICU Patients](https://carequest.org/how-hygienists-are-providing-critical-oral-care-to-icu-patients/) - The scene, sadly, is a familiar one: A patient on a ventilator in a hospital bed is surrounded by beeping monitors and the steady hum of machinery. Medical staff quietly observe and adjust settings to ensure stability and comfort. “The patient is unable to provide any type of care for themselves,” says Janell Ragains, RDH,
- [Better Together: How Interprofessional Learning and Practice Benefits Patients](https://carequest.org/better-together-how-interprofessional-learning-and-practice-benefits-patients/) - In medical school, Anthony Marchlewski, MD, didn’t learn much about oral health. But as a resident at ProHealth Care, a community-based health care system in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, he had the chance to dive into the world of dentistry. He participated in a two-week rotation with Community Smiles Dental, a nonprofit safety-net organization located in the same
- [New Report Spotlights Pediatric Emergency Department Use for Dental Care in Florida](https://carequest.org/new-report-spotlights-pediatric-emergency-department-use-for-dental-care-in-florida/) - Children Seeking Emergency Care for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions Among the Highest Rates in the Country. A new report by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, spotlights pediatric emergency department use for dental care in Florida. Researchers found that children in Florida
- [New Report: 68.5 Million Adults in the US Don’t Have Dental Insurance, May Rise to 91.4 Million by End of Year](https://carequest.org/new-report-68-5-million-adults-in-the-us-dont-have-dental-insurance-may-rise-to-91-4-million-by-end-of-year/) - CareQuest Institute Releases New Data on Inequities in Oral Health Care. An estimated 68.5 million adults in the United States do not have dental insurance, according to new data released today by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®. This data, which comes from the third annual State of Oral Health Equity in America (SOHEA) survey, also reveals that
- [A New Perspective: Eight Questions with CareQuest Institute CEO Wade Rakes](https://carequest.org/a-new-perspective-eight-questions-with-carequest-institute-ceo-wade-rakes/) - Wade Rakes understands that oral health care impacts overall health outcomes. And he’s clear on the obstacles standing in the way of those outcomes. “Access, access, access,” he says. “Expanding affordable and available access to oral health care is the game changer.” Rakes has been focused on improving health care for nearly 20 years —
- [How New Interactive Licensure Maps Are Helping Dental Hygiene Careers](https://carequest.org/how-new-interactive-licensure-maps-are-helping-dental-hygiene-careers/) - For years, dental hygienists have been frustrated with having to hunt through multiple websites and sources to piece together information about continuing education requirements and scope of practice variations. This is even more challenging for dental hygienists who are licensed in — or want to practice in — more than one state. As more states
- [CareQuest Institute Requests Grant Proposals Focused on Disability Inclusion and Justice in Oral Health](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-requests-grant-proposals-focused-on-disability-inclusion-and-justice-in-oral-health/) - Seeking Innovative Submissions That Promote Access To Dental Care For People With Disabilities. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, has launched a request for proposals (RFP) to fund projects and partner with organizations that are working to address systemic barriers to
- [CareQuest Institute Lauds President’s Commitment to Improve Health for Veterans](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-lauds-presidents-commitment-to-improve-health-for-veterans/) - National Nonprofit Urges Administration to Similarly Address Oral Health Access and Care. Following President Biden’s announcement of new actions to lower health care costs for veterans, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, encouraged President Biden to continue to improve access and
- [The New Fault Lines on Fluoride in Four States — and What They Mean for Medicaid](https://carequest.org/the-new-fault-lines-on-fluoride-in-four-states-and-what-they-mean-for-medicaid/) - Across the country, there’s a new wave of proposals targeting community water fluoridation (CWF) as many states are tightening Medicaid budgets. That combination is uniquely dangerous for low-income families: End fluoridation -> see cavities rise -> watch public insurance spending swell. Recent modeling published in JAMA Health Forum projects that eliminating fluoridation nationally would increase tooth decay in
- [New Report: Rural Populations Have Worse Oral Health Care Access, Utilization, and Outcomes Compared to Urban Areas](https://carequest.org/new-report-rural-populations-have-worse-oral-health-care-access-utilization-and-outcomes-compared-to-urban-areas/) - 4 in 10 Adults Living in Rural Environments Have Not Visited the Dentist in More Than a Year. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, released a new report detailing the causes of worsening oral health access and outcomes for rural populations in
- [US Adults Miss 243 Million Hours of Work or School Annually Due to Oral Health Problems](https://carequest.org/us-adults-miss-243-million-hours-of-work-or-school-annually-due-to-oral-health-problems/) - New CareQuest Institute for Oral Health Report Highlights Impact of Untreated Dental Disease and the Cost of Lost Productivity. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® has released a new report that shows that adults 18 and older in the US lose more than 243 million work or school hours annually due to oral health problems. The lost
- [CareQuest Institute Awards $1.25 Million in Grant Funding for Projects Focused on Disability Inclusion and Justice in Oral Health](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-awards-1-25-million-in-grant-funding-for-projects-focused-on-disability-inclusion-and-justice-in-oral-health/) - Organizations From Across the Country Will Work to Address Barriers to Oral Health Care for Those With Disabilities. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health awarded $1.25 million in funding to 10 organizations selected for their Disability Inclusion and Justice in Oral Health Request for Proposals (RFP). Each organization received $125,000 to fulfill work to address systemic barriers to
- [CareQuest Institute Requests Grant Proposals Addressing Oral Health Disparities](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-requests-grant-proposals-addressing-oral-health-disparities/) - Proposals Now Open for Veterans and School-Related Initiatives to Improve Oral Health Access and Outcomes. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, has launched two grant opportunities aimed at addressing systemic barriers to oral health access. The Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
- [Learning to Lead: Teens Connect Community to Oral Health Care](https://carequest.org/learning-to-lead-teens-connect-community-to-oral-health-care/) - Two programs, two states, and one goal: engaging a younger generation to help people in their communities get access to oral health care. With the help of a CareQuest Institute grant, New Mainers Public Health Initiative (NMPHI) in Maine and Kids In Need of Dentistry (KIND) in Colorado engaged junior community health workers (CHW) and promotoras to help
- [Advancing Public Health Through Collaboration at APHA](https://carequest.org/advancing-public-health-through-collaboration-at-apha/) - All disciplines across public health under one roof collaborating to “champion optimal, equitable health and well-being for all.” A clear and urgent call to action to “make the public’s health a national priority.” And more than 12,000 attendees. This November’s American Public Health Association (APHA) annual meeting and exposition in Washington, DC, had all of
- [Another Billion Reasons for a Medicare Dental Benefit](https://carequest.org/another-billion-reasons-for-a-medicare-dental-benefit/) - In an analysis of Medicare beneficiary data, CareQuest Institute researchers find that including periodontal treatment in Medicare has the potential to save up to $14.5 billion annually for patients with diabetes and up to $27.8 billion annually for patients with heart disease. Why add dental to Medicare? Periodontal disease is linked to several chronic
- [The Importance of Being Ready: Lessons from Medicaid and Commercial Dental Claims Data](https://carequest.org/the-importance-of-being-ready-lessons-from-medicaid-and-commercial-dental-claims-data/) - What lessons can we learn from examining dental procedure utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic? A visual report from CareQuest Institute examines that question, using Medicaid and commercial insurance claims data to find differences in trends by age and insurance type that can inform future planning for providers and dental offices. Procedures to Resolve Pain
- [Trauma-Informed Care in Oral Health Care](https://carequest.org/trauma-informed-care-in-oral-health-care/) - The Role of Dental Hygienists With half of children and two-thirds of adults in the US experiencing some type of traumatic event, oral health care providers must be able to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care, according to this article in The Journal of Dental Hygiene. The article, authored by CareQuest Institute researchers, examines the critical role of
- [Dental Anxiety and Oral Health in American Indian and Alaska Natives](https://carequest.org/dental-anxiety-and-oral-health-in-american-indian-and-alaska-natives/) - This peer-reviewed article in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry, co-authored by researchers from CareQuest Institute and the University of Colorado and Marquette University Schools of Dentistry, explores associations between dental distrust, dental fear and anxiety, and oral health outcomes in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults. Key Findings About one in five AI/AN adults
- [Dental Insurance Coverage and Oral Health in Battleground States](https://carequest.org/dental-insurance-coverage-and-oral-health-in-battleground-states/) - Should Medicare and Medicaid Cover Dental Care? CareQuest Institute for Oral Health’s annual State of Oral Health Equity in America survey asked over 9,000 adults about visiting a dentist and about dental benefits included in Medicaid and Medicare. Key findings from battleground states in the 2024 election include: In Michigan 67% of adults saw a
- [Teledentistry Utilization by Oral Health Professionals and Policy Considerations](https://carequest.org/teledentistry-utilization-by-oral-health-professionals-and-policy-considerations/) - In this article in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry, researchers investigated why oral health professionals selected and used various types of teledentistry. They found that the majority of teledentistry visits (76%) were synchronous audio (phone call). The authors, from CareQuest Institute, MouthWatch, and Virginia Commonwealth University, explained that having multiple types of teledentistry delivery available
- [Mental Health, Socioeconomic Position, and Oral Health: A Path Analysis](https://carequest.org/mental-health-socioeconomic-position-and-oral-health-a-path-analysis/) - How Are Oral Health and Mental Health Connected? This peer-reviewed article in Preventing Chronic Disease, a journal sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, examines the interrelationships between depression, oral health, and socioeconomic position based on results from a nationally representative survey of US adults. The authors, from CareQuest Institute, the University of Colorado School
- [Teledentistry as a Tool for Health Care Transformation](https://carequest.org/teledentistry-as-a-tool-for-health-care-transformation/) - An article in the North Carolina Medical Journal authored by members of the CareQuest Institute Health Transformation team highlights that teledentistry is a valuable technology tool and demonstrates how critical state-based approaches to transformation are in improving access to oral health care. The authors write: The role that health technologies like telehealth continue to play
- [State Oral Health Dashboard](https://carequest.org/state-oral-health-dashboard/) - Data-Driven Change for an Oral Health Crisis More than one quarter of adults in the US — 72 million people — do not have dental insurance. The inability to receive dental care is a threat to overall health. And, it costs the health care system billions every year in treating chronic diseases, lost productivity, and emergency department visits for non-traumatic
- [CareQuest Institute Reacts to New FDA Action on Children’s Fluoride Supplements and Urges Continued Focus on Prevention and Access](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-reacts-to-new-fda-action-on-childrens-fluoride-supplements-and-urges-continued-focus-on-prevention-and-access/) - New actions could limit fluoride access for children most at risk of tooth decay. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced new enforcement actions addressing fluoride supplements for children. The agency advises that these supplements should not be used in children under three years old, or in older children who are not at high risk
- [The Non-Invasive Caries Therapy Guide](https://carequest.org/the-non-invasive-caries-therapy-guide/) - The Guide is an illustrated manual on diagnostics, preventives, and therapeutics to fight dental caries without removing tooth structure, including instructions and tips to: Differentiate active vs. arrested caries lesions Apply silver diamine fluoride, self-assembling peptide P11-4, and more Perform the Hall Technique Goals of the Guide Increase access to care by decreasing reliance on invasive
- [Medical-Dental-Behavioral Integration](https://carequest.org/medical-dental-behavioral-integration/) - Embracing Whole-Person Health in Research and Practice A supplement in JDR Clinical & Translational Research, supported by CareQuest Institute, features nine articles that provide strong evidence for health systems to integrate oral, behavioral, and systemic health. In the accompanying editorial, authors from CareQuest Institute write: The decades-long understanding of the links between oral, systemic, and behavioral
- [Social Determinants of Health Linked with Oral Health](https://carequest.org/social-determinants-of-health-linked-with-oral-health/) - In an article in BMC Oral Health, researchers from CareQuest Institute and Texas A&M University College of Dentistry analyze the impact of structural and intermediary determinants on oral health outcomes. They found that adults who experienced any of the social determinants of health (SDOH) were more likely to have poor oral health outcomes. Key findings include:
- [Links Between Sugar and Dental Decay in US Children from Low-Income Families](https://carequest.org/links-between-sugar-and-dental-decay-in-us-children-from-low-income-families/) - Dental caries is one of the most prevalent human diseases. And understanding the role of diet, demographics, and environmental factors in dental caries rates in children is essential to improve children’s health. To better understand these factors, CareQuest Institute conducted a systematic review of four studies to examine the link between consumption of added sugar
- [Artificial Intelligence-Produced Radiographic Enhancements in Dental Clinical Care](https://carequest.org/artificial-intelligence-produced-radiographic-enhancements-in-dental-clinical-care/) - Provider and Patient Perspectives Can artificial intelligence (AI) facilitate dental providers’ diagnoses and educate patients about their oral health conditions? Apple Tree Dental, an innovative dental organization in Minnesota, and CareQuest Institute published an article in Frontiers in Oral Health that examines oral health providers’ and patients’ perspectives about the use of AI software in clinical dental
- [Exploring Oral Health and Care Access among Adults with Disabilities](https://carequest.org/exploring-oral-health-and-care-access-among-adults-with-disabilities/) - Many adults living with disabilities face considerable challenges to accessing necessary oral health care, according to findings from CareQuest Institute’s most recent State of Oral Health Equity in America (SOHEA) survey. More than one in four adults in the United States has at least one type of disability — and adults with disabilities are more
- [Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits Offered to Specific Beneficiary Groups](https://carequest.org/medicaid-adult-dental-benefits-offered-to-specific-beneficiary-groups/) - What does Medicaid cover for dental for adults? According to this CareQuest Institute report updated for 2025, 21 states now offer additional dental coverage to specific beneficiary groups, including pregnant and postpartum adults, adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities, and adults utilizing long-term care. Additional Key Findings Eight states cover dental services for pregnant adults
- [Fluoride: Questions Parents Ask](https://carequest.org/fluoride-questions-parents-ask/) - This resource, developed in collaboration with the American Fluoridation Society, provides answers to some of the most common questions parents ask about fluoride and fluoridation. We’ve divided it into sections to make it easier to find the answers you’re looking for. You may also be interested in: Community Water Fluoridation, a collection of statistics and
- [National Oral Health Data Portal](https://carequest.org/national-oral-health-data-portal/) - This updated version of the National Oral Health Data Portal consolidates more than two dozen datasets from federal and non-profit partners to examine national, state, and local trends in a single file. Designed in partnership by CareQuest Institute and the Association of State & Territorial Dental Directors, the interactive tool was created to help public
- [Medicaid Adult Benefits During Pregnancy and Postpartum and Birth Outcomes by State](https://carequest.org/medicaid-adult-benefits-during-pregnancy-and-postpartum-and-birth-outcomes-by-state/) - During pregnancy, oral health care is essential, yet often underutilized — especially for people enrolled in Medicaid. This dashboard provides information related to Medicaid expansion and eligibility during pregnancy and postpartum, preterm birth rates, and infant mortality rates by state. Policymakers, administrators, and advocates can use this tool to examine Medicaid expansion and eligibility in
- [From Silos to Synergy: Integrating Oral Health into Whole-Person Care Through Interprofessional Practice](https://carequest.org/from-silos-to-synergy-integrating-oral-health-into-whole-person-care-through-interprofessional-practice/) - Correction: A revised version of the white paper was uploaded on October 7, 2025, in order to correct the in-text numbering of references #225–272. Helping patients achieve optimal health and a high quality of life requires the full integration of oral health into health care systems. Such integration requires robust collaboration across disciplines, known as
- [Framing for Oral Health Equity Now: A Communications Toolkit for Advancing Oral Health Reform](https://carequest.org/framing-for-oral-health-equity-now-a-communications-toolkit-for-advancing-oral-health-reform/) - This toolkit, a collaboration between the FrameWorks Institute and CareQuest Institute’s Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN), provides strategies and examples to help oral health advocates communicate effectively about community-led, collaborative approaches to eliminate oral health disparities. The tools and recommendations have been updated to be relevant in the current political climate but still draw on original
- [Implicit Racial Bias in Oral Health](https://carequest.org/implicit-racial-bias-in-oral-health/) - A Scoping Review of Students’ and Providers’ Perceptions In this article published in JDR Clinical & Translational Research, authors from CareQuest Institute and the Center for Justice in Public Health examined the available scientific literature about implicit bias held by dental/dental hygiene students, faculty, and dental professionals. Their objective was to determine how such bias may
- [Community Water Fluoridation: Proven, Safe, and Essential for Oral Health](https://carequest.org/community-water-fluoridation-proven-safe-and-essential-for-oral-health/) - This fact sheet from CareQuest Institute highlights the overwhelming benefits of community water fluoridation (CWF) to prevent tooth decay and reduce health care costs. More than 75 years of research and over 7,000 studies demonstrate that, at appropriate levels, fluoride is safe and essential in preventing tooth decay — especially for tens of millions without
- [Oral Health’s Role in Identifying Undiagnosed Diabetes](https://carequest.org/oral-healths-role-in-identifying-undiagnosed-diabetes/) - Incorporating HbA1c screening into dental practices offers a valuable opportunity to identify patients with undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes, especially among those who may not regularly seek medical care. This resource from CareQuest Institute outlines the benefits, roles, and considerations for oral health providers in screening for diabetes. Key Insights Periodontal disease and diabetes have a
- [Value-Based Care Readiness Assessment](https://carequest.org/value-based-care-readiness-assessment/) - Is your organization ready for value-based care and payment? Take the assessment to find out The Value-Based Care (VBC) Readiness Assessment is designed to help dental and health care leadership teams evaluate organizational readiness to transition to a value-based care and payment model in dentistry. The results of the assessment will provide a snapshot of
- [A Geriatric Patient with Oral Health Issues Moves Through the Health System](https://carequest.org/a-geriatric-patient-with-oral-health-issues-moves-through-the-health-system/) - This is part of a series of case studies that depict various types of oral health care coordination. The series is designed to illustrate how individuals may interact with the health care system, demonstrate communication between providers, and highlight the importance of oral health information exchange. Ms. Lena Walton is an 86-year-old woman with moderate to
- [Pre-Doctoral Dental Faculty Perceptions Toward Value-Based Care: An Exploratory Story](https://carequest.org/pre-doctoral-dental-faculty-perceptions-toward-value-based-care-an-exploratory-story/) - Value-based care (VBC) is a new concept in dentistry, and moving to VBC models will require work and support in dental education, according to a new article in the Journal of Dental Education. The article, authored by researchers at CareQuest Institute and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Adams School of Dentistry, found that dental
- [Missed Connections: Providers and Consumers Want More Medical-Dental Integration](https://carequest.org/missed-connections-providers-and-consumers-want-more-medical-dental-integration/) - We know that oral health and overall health are inextricably linked. But despite this connection, dental care is still largely siloed from medical care. A visual report from CareQuest Institute examines attitudes regarding the relationship between oral health and overall health, based on national surveys of oral health consumers and providers. Both consumers and dental
- [Medical Well-Child Visits and Preventive Dental Visits](https://carequest.org/medical-well-child-visits-and-preventive-dental-visits/) - The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and CareQuest Institute, then the DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement, collaborated on a study that investigated the impact of well-child visits on promoting preventive dental visits using big data. Based on the analysis of over 1.3 million Medicaid claims for children aged 4 or less in 13
- [Pediatric Primary Care and Oral Health](https://carequest.org/pediatric-primary-care-and-oral-health/) - This research brief evaluates oral health services being provided in medical well-child visits and the need for greater integration of oral health in primary care to help facilitate early intervention and the prevention of dental disease.
- [A Model for Better Health, Better Access, and Better Value: Advantage Dental's Approach](https://carequest.org/a-model-for-better-health-better-access-and-better-value-advantage-dentals-approach/) - Advantage Dental is the largest dental accountable care organization in the State of Oregon. It delivers services to approximately 284,000 members of the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program, and contracts with all 16 of the state’s coordinated care organizations. Advantage Dental has developed a model that offers a unique approach to oral health
- [Poor Families Spend 10 Times More of Their Income on Dental Care than Wealthier Families](https://carequest.org/poor-families-spend-10-times-more-of-their-income-on-dental-care-than-wealthier-families/) - A report from CareQuest Institute, the first in a three-part series about utilization of dental services and out-of-pocket costs, analyzes oral health needs and financial implications for Americans of different income levels. Based on data from the Medicare Expenditure Panel Survey and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the report finds that those living in
- [Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits Increase Access and Reduce Out-of-Pocket Expenditures](https://carequest.org/medicaid-adult-dental-benefits-increase-access-and-reduce-out-of-pocket-expenditures/) - In some U.S. states, Medicaid provides at least some dental coverage for adults. Does that coverage lead to better access and lower out-of-pocket costs for patients? A report from CareQuest Institute, the second in a three-part series, analyzes data from the Medicare Expenditure Panel Survey to explore that question. The report compares the experience of adults
- [Exploring Alternative Payment Models for Oral Health Care](https://carequest.org/exploring-alternative-payment-models-for-oral-health-care/) - An examination of the cost and utilization of alternative payment models for oral health care over a patient’s lifetime. Can alternative payment methods (APM) transform dentistry? Under our current system, the United States pays the most for health care and achieves the lowest performance among comparable countries. CareQuest Institute analyzes how this applies to dentistry
- [Healthy Mouths: Why They Matter for Adults and State Budgets](https://carequest.org/healthy-mouths-why-they-matter-for-adults-and-state-budgets/) - There are a variety of approaches to adult coverage, divided into four broad categories. The first category are the 20 states providing a comprehensive Medicaid dental benefit for adults with annual spending caps of at least $1,000. The second category includes 16 states that provide a limited adult dental benefit with a lower spending cap. The third category are the 11
- [The Burden of Out-of-Pocket Expenditures for Dental Care on Medicare-Enrolled Elderly and Disabled](https://carequest.org/the-burden-of-out-of-pocket-expenditures-for-dental-care-on-medicare-enrolled-elderly-and-disabled/) - A report from CareQuest Institute, the third in a three-part series addressing utilization of dental services and out-of-pocket costs for dental care, focuses on patients on Medicare. It compares costs associated with different types of Medicare coverage and reveals a high burden of out-of-pocket spending for Medicare enrollees. Key findings from the report: Among all
- [Hospital Utilization for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions in Oregon from 2013 to 2015](https://carequest.org/hospital-utilization-for-non-traumatic-dental-conditions-in-oregon-from-2013-to-2015/) - Access to oral health benefits is a state by state issue - either the coverage is uneven or totally lacking - and can result in costly trips to the hospital for non-traumatic dental conditions. CareQuest Institute took an in-depth look into Emergency Department (ED) visits specifically in Oregon for non-traumatic dental conditions, and found a need
- [The Interprofessional Oral Health Referral](https://carequest.org/the-interprofessional-oral-health-referral/) - Access to oral health benefits is a state by state issue - either the coverage is uneven or totally lacking - and can result in costly trips to the hospital for non-traumatic dental conditions. CareQuest Institute took an in-depth look into Emergency Department (ED) visits specifically in Oregon for non-traumatic dental conditions, and found a need
- [NHANES Oral Health Data Reflect Barriers & Inequities](https://carequest.org/nhanes-oral-health-data-reflect-barriers-inequities/) - Mortality rates from the novel coronavirus are disproportionately high for people of color, generating a vigorous dialogue about health disparities in America. Lacking meaningful medical and dental insurance is one example of how Black and Latino adults can be uniquely vulnerable when a health-related crisis arrives. Access to routine dental care is limited for many
- [Trends in Non-Traumatic Dental Emergency Department Use in New York and New Jersey](https://carequest.org/trends-in-non-traumatic-dental-emergency-department-use-in-new-york-and-new-jersey/) - Attachment: Trends in Non-Traumatic Dental Emergency Department Use in New York and New Jersey (814.3 KB)
- [Different Levels of Associations Between Medical Co-morbidities and Preterm Birth Outcomes Among Racial/Ethnic Women Enrolled in Medicaid 2014-2015](https://carequest.org/different-levels-of-associations-between-medical-co-morbidities-and-preterm-birth-outcomes-among-racial-ethnic-women-enrolled-in-medicaid-2014-2015/) - Different levels of associations between medical co-morbidities and preterm birth outcomes among racial/ethnic women enrolled in Medicaid 2014–2015: retrospective analysis Attachment: Different Levels of Associations Between Medical Co-Morbidities and Preterm Birth Outcomes Among Racial/Ethnic Women (1017.74 KB)
- [Fast-Track to Teledentistry: Removing Barriers While Maximizing Overall Health](https://carequest.org/fast-track-to-teledentistry-removing-barriers-while-maximizing-overall-health/) - A white paper from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health explains how teledentistry can improve the health of Americans while saving money by delivering care and education more quickly and efficiently. Millions of Americans, particularly in rural areas, have inadequate access to dental care. And when people have inadequate dental care, numerous studies show, their overall health declines. Further, people
- [Expanding Oral Health: Teledentistry](https://carequest.org/expanding-oral-health-teledentistry/) - Telehealth offers exciting new opportunities for dentistry, particularly in terms of reaching underserved populations. A report from CareQuest Institute reviews the regulatory environment needed to support telehealth-connected teams, as well as considerations for incorporating telehealth into dental practices and community-based oral health care systems. It explores various telehealth modalities, coding updates and the nuts and bolts of
- [Answering that Dental Emergency Call Remotely](https://carequest.org/answering-that-dental-emergency-call-remotely/) - Welcome to Teledentistry: Bringing Patient-Centered Care into the Synchronous Teledental Emergency Visit Using a New Approach, the SHARE Framework. https://youtu.be/_mqFfWMNei0
- [Teledentistry: Providing Access to Care During the COVID-19 Crisis](https://carequest.org/teledentistry-providing-access-to-care-during-the-covid-19-crisis/) - In a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth can offer numerous advantages for dental patients and the overall health system. A new communications brief from CareQuest Institute reviews the benefits of teledentistry, its various modalities and how states can promote it. Highlights from the brief include: Although most states are supporting some form of telehealth,
- [Patients Give High Marks to Their Teledentistry Experience](https://carequest.org/patients-give-high-marks-to-their-teledentistry-experience/) - A report from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health shows that dental patients are amenable to receiving care via teledentistry. Although dental providers have been slower than their medical counterparts to make the shift to virtual care, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the advantages of remote, video-enabled visits. The report, which highlights findings from a survey of
- [Dental Care's New Normal: Survey Reveals the Need to Adapt](https://carequest.org/dental-cares-new-normal-survey-reveals-the-need-to-adapt/) - The COVID-19 pandemic has placed dental offices under significant stress. To learn how they are navigating the situation, the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health surveyed nearly 4,000 dental providers. The results reveal a strong consensus among providers that it will not be possible to return to pre-pandemic operations, and that they must find new care and
- [Impacts Beyond the Mouth](https://carequest.org/impacts-beyond-the-mouth/) - Oral health is about much more than a smile. This infographic shares the growing evidence of oral health’s connection to overall health, including: High blood pressure Diabetes Obesity Dementia Respiratory health Adverse birth outcomes You may also be interested in: More Than Meets the Eye: Oral Health, Eye Health, and Overall Health, a report that
- [Getting to the Heart of It](https://carequest.org/getting-to-the-heart-of-it/) - Oral health is about much more than a smile. This infographic summarizes growing evidence that connects the health of the mouth with the health of the heart and circulatory system. Is Gum Disease Linked to Heart Disease and Stroke? The odds of having a first heart attack were 28% higher for people with gum disease.
- [The Link Between Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia and the Mouth](https://carequest.org/the-link-between-ventilator-associated-pneumonia-and-the-mouth/) - The intersection of VAP, COVID-19, oral health, and equity A report from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health reinforces the connection between oral health and overall health and underscores the breadth of health issues — including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) — that ongoing oral health care can protect against. Key findings from the report include: Preventive dental visits decreased the likelihood of acquiring VAP. At least
- [A Difficult Path to COVID-19 Recovery](https://carequest.org/a-difficult-path-to-covid-19-recovery/) - Changes remain for dental providers Most dental providers have reopened their clinics, but it’s far from business as usual. A new report by CareQuest Institute outlines the findings from a recent survey of 2,767 providers, and it’s clear that the COVID-19 pandemic remains a source of stress and uncertainty with potential long-term implications for the
- [Self-Care Tips After Teledentistry Appointment](https://carequest.org/self-care-tips-after-teledentistry-appointment/) - Here are some self-care recommendations to maintain your oral health at home between in-office or teledental visits. We will work with you on a care plan that supports you at home and in-office. Reach out to your dental team if your symptoms persist or escalate.
- [Cutting Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits Would Hurt States in Unexpected Ways](https://carequest.org/cutting-medicaid-adult-dental-benefits-would-hurt-states-in-unexpected-ways/) - Cutting Medicaid adult dental benefits could harm job growth, increase costs, and harm states in other unexpected ways. If adult dental coverage is championed it can improve job prospects, reduce costly visits to hospitals, preserve dental services that can save states money, and increase the likelihood of children getting dental care if their parents do. Explore CareQuest
- [Discrimination Reduces Utilization of Routine Dental Care](https://carequest.org/discrimination-reduces-utilization-of-routine-dental-care/) - A new research report from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health reveals that increased exposure to lifetime discrimination experiences is associated with a decreasing likelihood of getting routine dental care. More specifically, participants from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States Refresher who reported 4 or more discrimination experiences were 36% less likely
- [Provider Teledentistry Use Gains Traction During COVID-19](https://carequest.org/provider-teledentistry-use-gains-traction-during-covid-19/) - With most providers open for comprehensive dental services, telehealth has become a path to provide safe, efficient and accessible dental care during the pandemic. A new report from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health — based on findings from a survey of 2,767 providers — highlights the continued value of telehealth and its opportunity to provide additional
- [COVID-19 Impacts on Dental Office Visits](https://carequest.org/covid-19-impacts-on-dental-office-visits/) - A report from CareQuest Institute explores how COVID-19 has amplified the need for accessible and convenient oral health care, as dental teams need to consider how to alter care and business models to address a decrease in the use of dental services. Using aggregated personal mobile device location data from SafeGraph to analyze dental patient mobility patterns from Jan.
- [School Dental Programs Face Stiff Challenges](https://carequest.org/school-dental-programs-face-stiff-challenges/) - School-Based Oral Health Programs (SBOHPs) provide a vital service to children who don’t always have access to health care outside of school. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue as school closures have limited the ability for children to receive basic preventative care. A new report from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and the Association of State
- [Reshaping Dentistry in Turbulent Times](https://carequest.org/reshaping-dentistry-in-turbulent-times/) - While COVID-19 has severely disrupted the dental care industry, a report from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health explores opportunities to innovate, improve financial sustainability and create greater access to care. Based on survey responses from thousands of dental providers throughout the country, the report reveals that while patient volumes have decreased, dental providers who serve low-income
- [Public Health Dental Providers Embrace COVID-19-Related Changes](https://carequest.org/public-health-dental-providers-embrace-covid-19-related-changes/) - A new survey by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred greater awareness and concerns among dental providers who work in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and other public health settings. Some key findings from the report: Screening patients and staff for COVID-19 risk factors is more of a priority for
- [Oral Health Providers of Color Face Hardship From COVID-19](https://carequest.org/oral-health-providers-of-color-face-hardship-from-covid-19/) - Oral health providers of color have been hit hard by COVID-19, however, they are ready to embrace a new normal in oral health. A new report from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health reveals how COVID-19 has impacted patient volumes, financial stability, infection control procedures and more for this group. Some key findings from the
- [The COVID-19 Pandemic Deepens Oral Health Inequities](https://carequest.org/the-covid-19-pandemic-deepens-oral-health-inequities/) - COVID-19 has impacted every facet of daily life in 2020. It has exacerbated social, economic, and health care inequities and further limited access to dental care and other necessary health services. Many of the communities that faced barriers to accessing dental care and subsequently experienced the effects of poor oral health prior to the pandemic are
- [A Coming Surge in Oral Health Treatment Needs](https://carequest.org/a-coming-surge-in-oral-health-treatment-needs/) - State of Oral Health Equity in America 2021 Research Report #1 Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many adults faced barriers to receiving oral health care, increasing their risk of infection and the need for emergency hospital visits. And now, as unmet dental needs worsen while the pandemic lingers and people suffer the loss of jobs
- [Dentists are an Untapped Resource for Delivering COVID-19 Vaccines](https://carequest.org/dentists-are-an-untapped-resource-for-delivering-covid-19-vaccines/) - State of Oral Health Equity in America 2021 Research Report #2 The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health found that over half of respondents (57%) in a recent oral health equity survey are willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and 60% of people who are willing to get the vaccine are also willing to receive it
- [Challenges in Implementing School-Based Oral Health Programs: Short- and Long-Term Impact of COVID-19](https://carequest.org/challenges-in-implementing-school-based-oral-health-programs-short-and-long-term-impact-of-covid-19/) - COVID-19 has disrupted K-12 learning and has limited children's access to oral health services and programs. School-based oral health programs (SBOHPs) are an essential access point for children to receive preventive oral health services. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors (ASTDD) surveyed state and territorial dental directors,
- [Medicaid Adult Dental Benefit Forecasting Tool](https://carequest.org/medicaid-adult-dental-benefit-forecasting-tool/) - Comprehensive adult dental coverage expands access to oral health care, namely preventive care, and has the potential to improve overall health outcomes for patients and reduce costs of care. Medicaid also serves as a revenue source that enables clinics to increase capacity and broaden their scope of care. That is why the state of Virginia expanded
- [Trends in Adolescent Dental Care Use](https://carequest.org/trends-in-adolescent-dental-care-use/) - CareQuest Institute for Oral Health explored dental care utilization among Medicaid-enrolled and commercial-insured adolescents. A new report highlights the importance of oral health care in adolescents and includes how schools, primary care providers, and more can play a part in helping the adolescent population establish a dental home. Some key findings from the report: Commercial-insured adolescents have higher dental care utilization than Medicaid-enrolled adolescents. Females
- [National Trends in Emergency Department Visits for Nontraumatic Dental Injuries](https://carequest.org/national-trends-in-emergency-department-visits-for-nontraumatic-dental-injuries/) - A new study published in Pediatric Dentistry examines trends and characteristics of pediatric nontraumatic dental condition (NTDC) visits to emergency departments in the United States from 2010 to 2017. According to the study, emergency department visits for NTDC by pediatric patients decreased over time following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Despite this decrease, low socioeconomic
- [Oral Disease Is Common. Access to Care Is Not.](https://carequest.org/oral-disease-is-common-access-to-care-is-not/) - Oral diseases often cause pain and distress on their own — and they can lead to a variety of other health problems. To avoid those problems, access to dental care is critical. But in the U.S., that access is not universal. A new visual report from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health illustrates how oral health care
- [Inequities Remain Pervasive in Oral Health](https://carequest.org/inequities-remain-pervasive-in-oral-health/) - The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated inequities in the United States and further limited access to dental care among already disadvantaged groups. But there is hope on the horizon. Increasingly, the American public is recognizing the importance of oral health and believes our oral health system needs to change. A new visual report from CareQuest Institute for Oral
- [Dental Insurance Is Out of Reach for Many](https://carequest.org/dental-insurance-is-out-of-reach-for-many/) - A recent survey conducted by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health reveals that millions of Americans lack access to dental care, and that many lost their insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey also found that access is distributed unequally among races and income groups. But Americans of all demographics recognize the importance of dental insurance,
- [Teledentistry: What to Know & How It Works](https://carequest.org/teledentistry-what-to-know-how-it-works/) - Teledentistry promotes equitable access to oral health care and represents an expansion of existing care, not a new form of care. Whether provided within a dental office, in a community setting, or from a patient’s home, the suite of virtual tools allows for the delivery of health care services when patients can’t be seen in
- [Loss of Insurance Leads to Hard Decisions for Many Patients](https://carequest.org/loss-of-insurance-leads-to-hard-decisions-for-many-patients/) - A new national survey of nearly 400 dental providers participating in Medicaid dental plans offers more evidence that the pandemic is contributing to a coming surge in oral disease. In the new survey, conducted by CareQuest Institute, nearly half of dental providers (46%) said they observed an increase in the number of patients who reported
- [Financial Impact of Emergency Department Visits for Dental Conditions in Maryland: An Update](https://carequest.org/financial-impact-of-emergency-department-visits-for-dental-conditions-in-maryland-an-update/) - When people don’t have access to dental insurance, they often resort to the emergency department (ED) for severe dental problems — resulting in far costlier care. In 2018, the state of Maryland launched a pilot program designed in part to address this issue. The program provided dental benefits for Maryland adults who were dually eligible
- [Dental Visits during Pregnancy: Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Analysis 2012–2015](https://carequest.org/dental-visits-during-pregnancy-pregnancy-risk-assessment-monitoring-system-analysis-2012-2015/) - A new study published in JDR Clinical & Translational Research found the Black-white disparity and disparity among Medicaid-enrolled women in visiting dentists during pregnancy persist. Oral health, the authors conclude, needs to be included in the standard prenatal care through oral health education and timely dental care during pregnancy. With mounting evidence of persisting disparities in dental
- [Emergency and Urgent Dental Visits Among Medicaid Enrollees from 2013 to 2017](https://carequest.org/emergency-and-urgent-dental-visits-among-medicaid-enrollees-from-2013-to-2017/) - A recent research article published in BMC Oral Health concluded that most dental emergency encounters do not result in definitive treatment; rather, patients often return to the dentist at a later date for that treatment. Where possible, dental providers could utilize teledental services to triage patients to appropriate care. The goal of the research, which analyzed data from
- [Teledentistry Use Beyond the Pandemic](https://carequest.org/teledentistry-use-beyond-the-pandemic/) - The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted inequities in the United States and, at the same time, increased awareness of technologies that can help address those inequities. One such technology is teledentistry — a set of virtual tools that allow for electronic communication and delivery of oral health services. Even after the pandemic, teledentistry has the potential
- [Pandemic Drives Dental Provider Confidence in Telehealth](https://carequest.org/pandemic-drives-dental-provider-confidence-in-telehealth/) - A new survey from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health provides insight into utilization of teledentistry over the past year as well as opportunities for growth beyond the pandemic. The survey asked providers about teledentistry use in early 2021 compared with two timepoints during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 (one in June, the other in August).
- [Teledentistry: Removing Barriers and Moving Toward Implementation](https://carequest.org/teledentistry-removing-barriers-and-moving-toward-implementation/) - Teledentistry has been shown to increase access to care, improve health outcomes, and reduce costs — and its use across the United States is growing. However, a variety of state-level barriers stand in the way of its continued expansion. What can stakeholders to do remove these barriers and facilitate the spread of teledentistry? A new
- [A Learning Community That Aims to Change Oral Health](https://carequest.org/a-learning-community-that-aims-to-change-oral-health/) - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health worked with its partners to launch an innovative educational collaboration. The COVID-19 Oral Health Recovery and Transformation (COHRT) Learning Community brought together Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Massachusetts to make systemic changes to their delivery of oral health care. The goal was not
- [Expanding Dental Benefits Is Good for States.*](https://carequest.org/expanding-dental-benefits-is-good-for-states/) - *Just Ask Colorado. Colorado was one of the states that chose to expand Medicaid adult dental benefits under the Affordable Care Act. As of 2014, adults members could receive up to $1,000 annually toward the cost of dental services. In 2019, the cap was raised to $1,500. The new benefit covered procedures such as dental
- [A Snapshot of the 76.5 Million Americans Without Dental Insurance](https://carequest.org/a-snapshot-of-the-76-5-million-americans-without-dental-insurance/) - The risk of oral health problems increases with age — and older populations are more likely to lack coverage when they need it most. This combination is leading to a surge in oral health care needs among adults aged 60 and over. A new visual report from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health reveals that of
- [The Push to Add Dental Coverage to Medicare](https://carequest.org/the-push-to-add-dental-coverage-to-medicare/) - The US population is aging, which means the number of Medicare beneficiaries is growing. Yet Medicare does not include a dental benefit, leaving millions of older adults without adequate oral health coverage or care. A new CareQuest Institute for Oral Health report, based on a nationally representative survey of 5,320 adults, shows a strong consensus
- [Overcoming Barriers to Dental Care Access Through Community-Based Programs](https://carequest.org/overcoming-barriers-to-dental-care-access-through-community-based-programs/) - In this video, Sharity Ludwig, EPDH, MS, director of alternative care models at Advantage Dental Oral Health Center and Affiliated Practices, explains the potential of community care. Clinics may not be in easily accessible locations, so by deploying expanded practice hygienists to other sites — such as WIC programs and schools — patients can receive
- [A Primary Care Provider's Role in Oral Cancer Screenings](https://carequest.org/a-primary-care-providers-role-in-oral-cancer-screenings/) - In this video, Mark Deutchman, MD, family medicine physician and professor at the University of Colorado, discusses the importance of screening patients for oral cancer. Because oral cancer occurs in hidden areas of the mouth and patients are often asymptomatic, primary care providers should examine the gums and teeth for any signs. Fortunately, adding this
- [System-Level Interventions to Reduce Utilization of General Anesthesia to Treat Dental Caries](https://carequest.org/system-level-interventions-to-reduce-utilization-of-general-anesthesia-to-treat-dental-caries/) - Untreated dental caries are common in children, and can result in severe pain and infection. They can sometimes even lead to hospitalization requiring general anesthesia. Interventions, such as community-based preventive care and pre-authorizations for treatment, can reduce the incidence of caries and the cost of treatment. This practice brief identifies interventions that reduced the utilization
- [Spotlight on Arizona: Adult Use of Emergency Departments for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions](https://carequest.org/spotlight-on-arizona-adult-use-of-emergency-departments-for-non-traumatic-dental-conditions/) - When people lack access to regular dental care, they often resort to visiting hospital emergency departments (EDs) for care — visits that are often costly and fail to address the underlying condition. This ineffective and inefficient system is not new, but the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated it. At a time when ED capacity
- [Time Is on the Side of Change in Dentistry](https://carequest.org/time-is-on-the-side-of-change-in-dentistry/) - The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the inadequacies of the current dental operating model. In the wake of the pandemic, the field of dentistry faces an imperative to reconfigure the organization, financing, and delivery of oral health care. This paper in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry provides an overview of a new model, the Three Domain Framework,
- [Why We (Still) Need to Add Dental to Medicare](https://carequest.org/why-we-still-need-to-add-dental-to-medicare/) - Note: Soon before this communication brief was published, Congressional negotiators announced that their social spending proposal was being trimmed to allow hearing coverage in Medicare but not dental or vision benefits. Whatever direction this debate takes, oral health leaders and advocates for older adults can make a difference by talking with their elected officials and underscoring
- [Dental Fear Is Real. Providers Can Help.](https://carequest.org/dental-fear-is-real-providers-can-help/) - Many people feel so anxious about visiting the dentist that it interferes with receiving care — a reality that can have significant health implications. This visual report from CareQuest Institute, based on results from a 2021 survey of 5,320 adults, explores the impacts of dental fear and how it varies by demographic groups. Key findings include:
- [Veteran Oral Health: Expanding Access and Equity](https://carequest.org/veteran-oral-health-expanding-access-and-equity/) - Inequity in Veteran Dental Care Roughly 19 million veterans live in the US, comprising about 6% of the total population. Those veterans are more likely to experience worse oral health outcomes — higher rates of tooth decay, higher rates of gum disease, and an increased need for restorative dental care — compared to nonveterans. A
- [Improving Care Coordination Between Oral and Medical Providers](https://carequest.org/improving-care-coordination-between-oral-and-medical-providers/) - Care coordination between dentistry and other health disciplines is essential to making sure that providers get the right information at the right time to deliver the best care possible to patients. But getting that coordination right is complex and challenging. It involves communication and information exchange by providers, payors, patients, and systems to help guide
- [Patient Portals: Patient Perspectives and Opportunities for Practices](https://carequest.org/patient-portals-patient-perspectives-and-opportunities-for-practices/) - How do dental patients feel about having secure online access to their oral health information through patient portals? Do they want the ability to share their dental information with their medical providers and potentially access education and appointment information? A new visual report from CareQuest Institute, based on a nationally representative survey, shows that patients
- [Dental Safety Net Providers’ Experiences with COVID-19 Should Inform Dental Pandemic Preparedness](https://carequest.org/dental-safety-net-providers-experiences-with-covid-19-should-inform-dental-pandemic-preparedness/) - Researchers from CareQuest Institute contributed to this study about dental safety net providers’ self-described experiences delivering care in the early stages of the pandemic. Uncertainty about the COVID-19 virus caused a significant decline in dental service delivery and illuminated the need to bolster public health emergency preparedness and response (PHEPR) in dentistry. Federally Qualified Health
- [Many Older Adults Delayed Dental Care During the Pandemic](https://carequest.org/many-older-adults-delayed-dental-care-during-the-pandemic/) - Older adults in the United States have long faced barriers to accessing dental care, including cost, lack of dental coverage, and inadequate transportation. The COVID-19 pandemic added to these obstacles. To learn more about these challenges, CareQuest Institute analyzed responses from three surveys of Medicare participants conducted by federal health officials. The analysis, summarized in
- [Veteran Dental Care Stimulates the Economy and Improves Overall Health](https://carequest.org/veteran-dental-care-stimulates-the-economy-and-improves-overall-health/) - A visual report from CareQuest Institute and the American Institute of Dental Public Health examines the economic and health implications of improving access to dental care for veterans, a group that has higher rates of tooth decay and gum disease than nonveterans. In a survey of more than 2,000 veterans, nearly one-third rated their dental health as
- [Recent Trends in Hospital Emergency Department Visits for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions](https://carequest.org/recent-trends-in-hospital-emergency-department-visits-for-non-traumatic-dental-conditions/) - An updated visual report from CareQuest Institute finds that in 2019, there were 1.8 million hospital emergency department (ED) visits for non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDCs), which cost $3.4 billion to treat. Hospital ED visits for NTDCs can divert critical resources and create added stress for ED personnel. Moreover, most hospitals lack the ability to provide
- [Oral Health and the LGBTQ+ Community: A Snapshot of Disparities and Discrimination](https://carequest.org/oral-health-and-the-lgbtq-community-a-snapshot-of-disparities-and-discrimination/) - CareQuest Institute examined the experiences of individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ regarding their oral health, access to dental care, and experiences with discrimination. Key findings from our nationally representative survey focused on oral health show that LGBTQ+ individuals, when compared to non-LGBTQ+ individuals, were: 77% more likely to have visited a hospital emergency department for dental
- [The Glaring Scope of Racial Disparities in Oral Health](https://carequest.org/the-glaring-scope-of-racial-disparities-in-oral-health/) - CareQuest Institute surveys of both US consumers and health care providers reveal a stark reality that race and ethnicity are closely linked with the health of an individual’s mouth and their livelihood. A communication brief from CareQuest Institute shines a light on these disparities, summarizing key findings from our 2021 and 2022 State of Oral Health
- [Repeated Use of Emergency Departments for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions: Factors Associated with Being a “Superutilizer”](https://carequest.org/repeated-use-of-emergency-departments-for-non-traumatic-dental-conditions-factors-associated-with-being-a-superutilizer/) - Arizona offers a comprehensive Medicaid dental care benefit, including assignment to a dental home, for children under 21 whose family income falls below a certain threshold. However, the state continues to lag behind the nation when it comes to children’s oral health ― more than half (52%) of Arizona’s kindergarteners have tooth decay compared to 36% nationally.
- [Room to Grow: An Analysis of Dental and Health Care Claims in Medicaid-Enrolled Children in Arizona](https://carequest.org/room-to-grow-an-analysis-of-dental-and-health-care-claims-in-medicaid-enrolled-children-in-arizona/) - Arizona offers a comprehensive Medicaid dental care benefit, including assignment to a dental home, for children under 21 whose family income falls below a certain threshold. However, the state continues to lag behind the nation when it comes to children’s oral health ― more than half (52%) of Arizona’s kindergarteners have tooth decay compared to 36% nationally.
- [Medicare Medically Necessary Fact Sheet](https://carequest.org/medicare-medically-necessary-fact-sheet/) - Improving Medicare Dental Coverage Medically necessary dental care is oral health care that is needed to properly treat other diagnosed medical conditions. For instance, oral health care can be vital to ensuring that a person can receive a transplant, move forward with radiation therapy, get their diabetes under control, and much more. Yet, for too
- [Burnout among Dental Professionals Before and During a Public Health Crisis: Causes, Consequences, and Next Steps](https://carequest.org/burnout-among-dental-professionals-before-and-during-a-public-health-crisis-causes-consequences-and-next-steps/) - Nearly three-quarters (71%) of oral health providers said their feelings of burnout had increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a visual report from CareQuest Institute. To learn more about the effect of the pandemic on burnout, CareQuest Institute conducted a survey of 377 dental providers in March 2021. In general, oral
- [The Association Between Accessing Dental Services and Nonventilator Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia in Medicaid Beneficiaries](https://carequest.org/the-association-between-accessing-dental-services-and-nonventilator-hospital-acquired-pneumonia-in-medicaid-beneficiaries/) - A new article, co-authored by CareQuest Institute researchers, stresses the importance of dental hygiene and treatment of gum disease to prevent nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NVHAP). Researchers found that Medicaid beneficiaries who had received a preventive dental visit within one year prior to an inpatient hospitalization were 10% less likely to be diagnosed with nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia
- [Adult Use of Emergency Departments for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions: Spotlight on Florida](https://carequest.org/adult-use-of-emergency-departments-for-non-traumatic-dental-conditions-spotlight-on-florida/) - Millions of Americans lack access to routine dental care and resort to visiting hospital emergency departments (EDs) for non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDCs). What drives those costly ED visits and who is most likely to make them? A new visual report from CareQuest Institute explores those questions within the state of Florida. ED Visits and Lack
- [Unlocking Access to Oral Health](https://carequest.org/unlocking-access-to-oral-health/) - An event hosted by The Hill and sponsored by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health A healthy mouth is essential for a healthy body. Yet, access to adult oral health care is inconsistent or inaccessible for millions of low-income adults enrolled in Medicaid across the country. Can the federal government do more to support states and ensure access
- [Discussing HPV and Detecting Oral Cancer: The Role of Oral Health Providers](https://carequest.org/discussing-hpv-and-detecting-oral-cancer-the-role-of-oral-health-providers/) - Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 70% of mouth and throat cancers, which are mostly preventable through the HPV vaccine. A visual report from CareQuest Institute summarizes what we know about the relationship between HPV and oral cancer, and outlines the role that dentists and dental hygienists can play in educating patients and preventing HPV through vaccinations.
- [Adult Use of Emergency Departments for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions: Spotlight on Colorado](https://carequest.org/adult-use-of-emergency-departments-for-non-traumatic-dental-conditions-spotlight-on-colorado/) - Millions of Americans lack access to routine dental care and resort to visiting hospital emergency departments (EDs) for non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDCs). What drives these costly ED visits and who is most likely to make them? A new visual report from CareQuest Institute explores those questions within the state of Colorado. Percentage of Adults on
- [Adult Use of Emergency Departments for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions: Spotlight on Kentucky](https://carequest.org/adult-use-of-emergency-departments-for-non-traumatic-dental-conditions-spotlight-on-kentucky/) - Millions of Americans lack access to routine dental care and resort to visiting hospital emergency departments (EDs) for non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDCs). What drives these costly ED visits and who is most likely to make them? A new visual report from CareQuest Institute explores those questions within the state of Kentucky. Percentage of Adults on
- [Refining the Process: Safety Net Dental Professionals’ Experiences with Teledentistry Implementation During the First Year of COVID-19](https://carequest.org/refining-the-process-safety-net-dental-professionals-experiences-with-teledentistry-implementation-during-the-first-year-of-covid-19/) - “During the first 2 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, teledentistry use increased by 60 times,” according to CareQuest Institute researchers in a new article in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry. The article shares key findings from interviews with 21 dental professionals about their experience with teledentistry during the first year of the pandemic — and
- [Improving the Oral Health of Rural Veterans](https://carequest.org/improving-the-oral-health-of-rural-veterans/) - Accessing routine dental care is challenging for many veterans — only 15% are eligible for dental care through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). It’s even harder for veterans living in rural communities, according to a report from the American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH) and CareQuest Institute. Key findings from the report show that
- [Family Affair: A Snapshot of Oral Health Disparities and Challenges in Individuals in Households Experiencing Disability](https://carequest.org/family-affair-a-snapshot-of-oral-health-disparities-and-challenges-in-individuals-in-households-experiencing-disability/) - Individuals in households experiencing disability rate their oral health as fair or poor at higher rates (38%) than those not in households experiencing disability (23%), according to a report from CareQuest Institute. The report analyzes data from the annual State of Oral Health Equity in America survey and confirms the persistent disparities and challenges in accessing oral
- [The Role of Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits During Pregnancy and Postpartum](https://carequest.org/the-role-of-medicaid-adult-dental-benefits-during-pregnancy-and-postpartum/) - During pregnancy, oral health care is essential, yet often underutilized. According to a report from CareQuest Institute, approximately 60–75% of pregnant people experience oral health issues that raise the likelihood of poor birth outcomes and major complications. These percentages are even higher for expecting Black women, who are 27% more likely to experience severe pregnancy
- [Addressing the Oral Health Needs of Hispanics in the U.S.](https://carequest.org/addressing-the-oral-health-needs-of-hispanics-in-the-u-s/) - An Exploration of Oral Health Status, Dental Needs, Utilization of Dental Services, and Workforce Disparities in oral health that affect the most vulnerable populations in the US particularly impact Latino communities, which now represent nearly 19% of the total US population. In this comprehensive white paper and gallery report, the Hispanic Dental Association (HDA), in
- [Still Searching: Meeting Oral Health Needs in Rural Settings](https://carequest.org/still-searching-meeting-oral-health-needs-in-rural-settings/) - Rural populations have worse oral health care access, utilization, and outcomes in comparison with their urban and suburban counterparts, according to a research report by CareQuest Institute. Key findings reveal several oral health disparities for rural residents, including: 34% of individuals living in a rural environment rate their oral health as fair or poor, compared
- [2023: Safe and Dangerous Home Remedies Used for Oral Pain and Discomfort](https://carequest.org/2023-safe-and-dangerous-home-remedies-used-for-oral-pain-and-discomfort/) - Americans who do not have access to dental care or need to delay their care may resort to home remedies to alleviate mouth pain or discomfort, explained CareQuest Institute Health Sciences Specialist, Kelly Schroeder, RDH, MS, in a presentation on safe and dangerous home remedies used for oral pain and discomfort. The study concluded: Patients who do
- [2023: Oral Health Among Individuals Requiring Support of a Caregiver](https://carequest.org/2023-oral-health-among-individuals-requiring-support-of-a-caregiver/) - The aim of this research is to examine oral health outcomes of individuals requiring caregiver support, from the caregivers’ perspective, to assess the individual’s ability to access and utilize oral health service, explained CareQuest Institute Analytics and Data Insights team Morgan Santoro, Paige Martin, Lisa Heaton, Adrianna Sonnek, Rebecca Preston, and Eric P. Tranby in
- [Oral-Systemic Interactions and Medical-Dental Integration: A Life Course Approach](https://carequest.org/oral-systemic-interactions-and-medical-dental-integration-a-life-course-approach/) - Oral Health and Overall Health Across the Lifespan https://youtu.be/sUI3FjQ8qkA This report from CareQuest Institute provides a comprehensive overview of the bidirectional nature of oral and systemic diseases across different life phases and discusses how medical-dental integration (MDI) can improve access to care, health outcomes, and health care costs. Key points include: In addition
- [Experiences with and Outcomes of Oral Health Care](https://carequest.org/experiences-with-and-outcomes-of-oral-health-care/) - Perspectives from Nationally Representative Data To address disparities in oral health care, it’s critical to understand how people perceive and experience the oral health care system. CareQuest Institute’s annual State of Oral Health Equity in America survey does just that, providing an in-depth look at how a nationally representative sample of adults in the US experience oral
- [The Hour of Need: Productivity Time Lost Due to Urgent Oral Health Needs](https://carequest.org/the-hour-of-need-productivity-time-lost-due-to-urgent-oral-health-needs/) - Adults in the US miss more than 243 million hours of productivity time each year due to oral health problems, according to findings from CareQuest Institute’s State of Oral Health Equity in America survey. Respondents’ lost productivity time was due to their own oral health problems, or oral health problems in children and other adults in their
- [Minor Restorations Decreased after Implementation of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax](https://carequest.org/minor-restorations-decreased-after-implementation-of-sugar-sweetened-beverage-tax/) - Presented at the 2024 International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research General Session This study examined rates of minor restorations before and after the implementation of a sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax in Philadelphia and Boulder, Colorado. Restorations in Philadelphia increased, while restorations in Boulder decreased following SSB tax implementation. Results suggest that an SSB
- [An Estimated 12 Million Children and Adults Lost Medicaid Dental Insurance after the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Expired](https://carequest.org/an-estimated-12-million-children-and-adults-lost-medicaid-dental-insurance-after-the-covid-19-public-health-emergency-expired/) - New data analyses by CareQuest Institute reveal that approximately 12 million adults and children nationwide lost their dental coverage between April and September of 2023 due to Medicaid redeterminations. The public health emergency (PHE) declared during the COVID-19 pandemic included measures to prevent people from losing health insurance. However, in April of 2023, those protections ended.
- [Periodontal Treatment Associated with Decreased Diabetes-Related Treatment Costs](https://carequest.org/periodontal-treatment-associated-with-decreased-diabetes-related-treatment-costs/) - An Analysis of Dental and Medical Claims Data In this article in The Journal of the American Dental Association, CareQuest Institute researchers found that overall health care costs were reduced in both Medicaid patients (14% less) and commercially insured patients (12% less) with diabetes who had received periodontal treatment within the previous two years. Gum Disease
- [Lower-Income Families Still Spend More on Dental Care](https://carequest.org/lower-income-families-still-spend-more-on-dental-care/) - CareQuest Institute’s latest analysis of dental care spending and income reveals that inequities in out-of-pocket expenditures between the poorest and wealthiest families in the US have continued to grow. In 2021, the most recent data available, poorer families paid 7.4 times more in out-of-pocket expenditures for dental care compared to high-income families. Additional Key Findings
- [The Collaborative Effect: Transforming Oral Health in North Carolina](https://carequest.org/the-collaborative-effect-transforming-oral-health-in-north-carolina/) - This report evaluates the impact of a learning community comprising 14 safety-net dental practices across North Carolina with a goal to transform oral health for the 47 counties and 87,000 patients they serve. The initiative was a partnership between the North Carolina Oral Health Collaborative, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation,
- [Federal Medicaid Cuts Threaten State Dental Benefits](https://carequest.org/federal-medicaid-cuts-threaten-state-dental-benefits/) - Lessons from Six States The Medicaid cuts Congress is debating are likely to force states to reduce or eliminate Medicaid adult dental benefits (MADBs). This publication, co-authored by CareQuest Institute, Community Catalyst, and Families USA, examines lessons and consequences from six states that have eliminated MADBs in the past. Update: The Final Budget Reconciliation Bill
- [The Dental Home Is Where Good Oral Health Starts](https://carequest.org/the-dental-home-is-where-good-oral-health-starts/) - Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Having a Usual Source of Dental Care Seventy-six percent of adults report having a dental home where they receive regular dental care, according to CareQuest Institute’s 2024 State of Oral Health Equity in America survey. The goal of this visual report, which highlights the key data point, was to determine what
- [Veterans Need Affordable Dental Care](https://carequest.org/veterans-need-affordable-dental-care/) - Of the 9 million veterans who are eligible for medical care through the Veterans Health Administration, only 20% are eligible for dental benefits. This fact sheet from CareQuest Institute highlights the challenges — including the health risks and financial burdens — veterans face in accessing dental care. Policy steps to strengthen dental access for veterans
- [Inequities Among LGBTQIA+ People of Color](https://carequest.org/inequities-among-lgbtqia-people-of-color/) - How Race and Identity Shape Oral Health Outcomes This report, based on results from CareQuest Institute’s State of Oral Health Equity in America survey, examines the oral health experiences and outcomes of adults identifying as both LGBTQIA+ and as people of color (POC). Survey results show that inequities individuals face when they belong to a
- [Community Water Fluoridation National Opinion Poll Results](https://carequest.org/community-water-fluoridation-national-opinion-poll-results/) - Majority of Americans Support Community Water Fluoridation A national survey of US adults shows 81% either support community water fluoridation (52%) or they are not opposed to it (29%). After more than 7,000 studies, the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence shows that fluoridating water, at levels approved in the US, is safe and effective at preventing
- [Perspectives and Experiences with Equitable Data Collection in Oral Health](https://carequest.org/perspectives-and-experiences-with-equitable-data-collection-in-oral-health/) - Moving Beyond One-Dimensional Data Collection This article, published in BMC Oral Health, explores how current data collection practices can perpetuate inequities by rendering some groups invisible or misrepresented. Researchers from CareQuest Institute and the University of Minnesota conducted qualitative interviews with individuals often excluded from oral health research due to race, ethnicity, language, disability, sexual orientation,
- [Oral Health Literacy from a Person-Centered Focus in the US](https://carequest.org/oral-health-literacy-from-a-person-centered-focus-in-the-us/) - In this article published in BMC Oral Health, CareQuest Institute researchers examined the existing peer-reviewed literature to determine who is most often evaluated for oral health literacy (OHL), what oral health measures and interventions are utilized, and who is responsible for improving OHL and oral health outcomes. Researchers found that OHL studies were representative of groups
- [The Need for Medicaid Adult Dental Coverage Across All States](https://carequest.org/the-need-for-medicaid-adult-dental-coverage-across-all-states/) - Medicaid is a key source of health care coverage for nearly 80 million people in the United States, providing comprehensive dental coverage for children and some adults — but only some adults. Many states offer limited or emergency-only care under Medicaid, leaving adults without the dental services they need to maintain their overall health. This
- [Lifelong Oral Health: How Insurance Type Shapes Dental Care Spending](https://carequest.org/lifelong-oral-health-how-insurance-type-shapes-dental-care-spending/) - The cost of oral health care poses the greatest financial barrier for individuals than any other type of health care, write the authors of a new report on dental care spending from CareQuest Institute. An interactive dashboard is also available for users to delve into spending by age, insurance type, and procedure. The authors write: Given the
- [Voices that Helped Shape Oral Health in 2021](https://carequest.org/voices-that-helped-shape-oral-health-in-2021/) - In 2021, we created a series of blog posts that highlights individuals who are working to improve the oral health system. From providers and policymakers to advocates and patients, our goal is to provide a snapshot of the backgrounds, ideas, successes, challenges, and daily lives of people who are making oral health care more accessible,
- [Incisal Edge Magazine: 8th Annual – 32 Most Influential People in Dentistry](https://carequest.org/incisal-edge-magazine-8th-annual-32-most-influential-people-in-dentistry-2/) - It's no secret that underserved communities score poorly on just about every measure of oral health. In steps Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, the head of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a Boston-based organization that aims to stem these inequities through a variety of grants and awards. Read the full story here.
- [Dentistry IQ: New Report Explores The Critical Link Between Oral Health and Alzheimer’s Disease](https://carequest.org/dentistry-iq-new-report-explores-the-critical-link-between-oral-health-and-alzheimers-disease/) - The report from CareQuest Institute1 highlights research that shows poor oral health—particularly periodontal disease—can increase the risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). The aggregated findings indicate that having an infection of periodontal bacteria, notably Porphyromonas gingivalis, may trigger the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein in the brain, contributing to cognitive decline
- [Defining Interoperability](https://carequest.org/defining-interoperability/) - What is interoperability? It’s an umbrella term for ensuring that different systems and software applications are able to communicate and understand shared data. This video explains the different layers of interoperability and the overall goal, which is to best serve patients at the point of care. https://youtu.be/hyN8R85gJA8 You may also be interested in: MORE Care,
- [The Connection Between Oral Health and Diabetes](https://carequest.org/the-connection-between-oral-health-and-diabetes/) - In this video, Mark Deutchman, MD, family medicine physician and professor at the University of Colorado, explains the connection between oral health and diabetes. When diabetic patients have good oral health, it’s easier to control their blood sugars. Diagnosing and treating periodontal disease can help patients with their diabetic care. In short, improving oral health
- [Americans Are Still Not Getting the Dental Care They Need](https://carequest.org/americans-are-still-not-getting-the-dental-care-they-need/) - Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, how are Americans faring in terms of oral health? In 2022, CareQuest Institute conducted the second annual State of Oral Health Equity in America survey ― a nationally representative survey of nearly 6,000 adults to study knowledge, attitudes, experiences, and behaviors related to oral health. This report is the first in
- [Dimensions of Dental Hygiene: Is the Affordable Care Act Coming to Dentistry?](https://carequest.org/dimensions-of-dental-hygiene-is-the-affordable-care-act-coming-to-dentistry-2/) - The numbers are staggering: nearly 69 million United States adults lacked dental insurance or access to routine oral health care last year, according to a survey by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. This issue has been exacerbated by the rollback of Medicaid expansions post-COVID-19. Read the full story here.
- [A Three Domain Framework to Innovating Oral Health Care](https://carequest.org/a-three-domain-framework-to-innovating-oral-health-care/) - Dentistry is changing rapidly and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted key opportunities within the oral health care system. A paper by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health outlines a Three Domain Framework that creates a new model in dentistry, a roadmap for the future that will be cost-effective, efficient, and more equitable. Discover a Better Way Forward
- [A Vaccine Can Prevent Throat Cancer](https://carequest.org/a-vaccine-can-prevent-throat-cancer/) - Did you know Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes 70% of throat cancers? And poor oral health is a risk factor. People with oral HPV are more likely to rate their oral health as fair or poor. Researchers found that poor oral health is a risk factor of oral HPV infection. Receiving both doses of the HPV
- [Opioid Prescribing by TennCare Dentists](https://carequest.org/opioid-prescribing-by-tenncare-dentists/) - A report from CareQuest Institute reveals that TennCare dentists — dentists providing care within Tennessee’s Medicaid program — wrote far fewer opioid prescriptions in 2019, indicating a successful policy change to reduce the number of opioids dispensed to dental patients. The corresponding decrease in the number of overdose deaths in Tennessee from 2017 to 2018 connected
- [Alternative Payment Models in Dentistry](https://carequest.org/alternative-payment-models-in-dentistry/) - A report from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health — based on findings from a survey of 2,757 dental providers in more than 20 states — reveals that there is a need for provider awareness and education about alternative payment models and that COVID-19 has created opportunities to advance alternative payment models within the oral health care
- [Teledentistry Is an Effective Tool to Triage Patients & Save Money](https://carequest.org/teledentistry-is-an-effective-tool-to-triage-patients-save-money/) - Little evidence exists regarding oral health outcomes for patients after a teledentistry visit. To address this gap, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health used the IBM Watson MarketScan Medicaid Database to examine outpatient dental claims data for Medicaid enrollees, specifically looking at dental services utilization patterns and rate of return following a teledentistry visit for the entire
- [The Wicked Problem of the Oral Health Care System](https://carequest.org/the-wicked-problem-of-the-oral-health-care-system/) - A special edition of the Journal of Public Health Dentistry is dedicated to increasing awareness and education about value-based care (VBC) and the journey to systems change within oral health care. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health served as the guest editorial board, identifying and selecting key articles that advance VBC awareness and illustrate the need for oral
- [Three Domain Framework White Paper Executive Summary](https://carequest.org/three-domain-framework-white-paper-executive-summary/) - Attachment: CareQuest-Institute-Three-Domain-Framework-Executive-Summary.pdf (1.83 MB)
- [Sample Billing Flow Chart](https://carequest.org/sample-billing-flow-chart/) - View a sample dental billing flow chart.
- [Common Scripting for the Community Health Dental Practice](https://carequest.org/common-scripting-for-the-community-health-dental-practice/) - Attachment: CareQuest-Institute-Common-Scripting-Community-Health-Dental-Practice.pdf (110.3 KB)
- [Medicaid Adult Dental Benefit Toolkit for Advocates](https://carequest.org/medicaid-adult-dental-benefit-toolkit-for-advocates/) - The need to keep Medicaid adult dental benefits is critical, as a rule proposed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would allow states to reduce or eliminate optional benefits without any loss of enhanced federal funding. That’s why CareQuest Institute created a robust toolkit, designed to help advocates educate policymakers and other stakeholders to
- [Mouths Matter More Than You May Know](https://carequest.org/mouths-matter-more-than-you-may-know/) - Oral Health's Connection to Overall Health CareQuest Institute’s research confirms the link between oral health and overall health. A new brief outlines how tooth decay, gum disease, and more can have an impact on diabetes, respiratory health, and blood pressure. Some key findings from the report: People with periodontal disease (PD)—also called “gum disease”—have a 28% higher
- [Solutions to Oral Health Inequities](https://carequest.org/solutions-to-oral-health-inequities/) - CareQuest Institute Contributes to a New Report from Harvard's Center for Primary Care The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated previously existing health inequities bringing them into sharper focus. In early 2020, dental providers were under state mandates to limit provision of care. Access to care was reduced while health inequities were magnified – the elderly, people in
- [The Connection Between Oral Health and Mental Health](https://carequest.org/the-connection-between-oral-health-and-mental-health/) - State of Oral Health Equity in America 2021 Research Brief New Survey Finds Poor Mental Health Status May Be Linked to Dental Fear and Delayed Dental Care Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, poor mental health could be linked to exacerbated oral health issues. Studies have shown that those with poor mental health also tend to have poor
- [Dental Providers Offer a Key Access Point for COVID-19 Booster Shots](https://carequest.org/dental-providers-offer-a-key-access-point-for-covid-19-booster-shots/) - After the early success in rolling out the COVID-19 vaccines, it’s becoming clear that people will likely need an additional “booster” shot to ensure ongoing immunity. Dental providers can play an important role by administering both vaccines and booster shots that will protect Americans from the virus or new variants. In March 2021, CareQuest Institute
- [New Survey Suggests Optimism about Teledentistry Experience and Access](https://carequest.org/new-survey-suggests-optimism-about-teledentistry-experience-and-access/) - State of Oral Health Equity in America 2021 Research Report #3 The COVID-19 pandemic changed health care in myriad ways, including the acceleration of telehealth. In fact, a nationally representative survey found that the majority of Americans have experienced a telehealth visit with a medical provider as of March 2021. Most of those telehealth visits, however,
- [Equity and Community Engagement in Statewide Oral Health Policy Advocacy](https://carequest.org/equity-and-community-engagement-in-statewide-oral-health-policy-advocacy/) - An Analysis of the Field and Recommendations for Improvement What can advocates, funders, and community-based organizations (CBOs) do to improve the oral health of underserved and marginalized communities? In 2020, Community Catalyst embarked on a research project, with the support of CareQuest Institute, to examine key aspects of this question related to advocacy and community
- [Care Coordination in a Community Health Center with Integrated Scheduling and Electronic Health Records](https://carequest.org/care-coordination-in-a-community-health-center-with-integrated-scheduling-and-electronic-health-records/) - This is part of a series of case studies that depict various types of oral health care coordination. The series is designed to illustrate how individuals may interact with the health care system, demonstrate communication between providers, and highlight the importance of oral health information exchange. Dr. Vasquez is the primary care provider for Elena Thompson,
- [Determinants of Tooth Loss in a Medicaid Adult Population](https://carequest.org/determinants-of-tooth-loss-in-a-medicaid-adult-population/) - A new study published in JDR Clinical & Translational Research examines the determinants of tooth loss in a Medicaid-enrolled population using claims data from 2016-2018, helping dental care providers understand the risk of tooth loss in their patient population. Among the findings: Periodontal treatment is protective against tooth loss — especially reducing the odds of losing six
- [Trends in National Opioid Prescribing for Dental Procedures among Patients Enrolled in Medicaid](https://carequest.org/trends-in-national-opioid-prescribing-for-dental-procedures-among-patients-enrolled-in-medicaid/) - A study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association found that opioid prescription rates in dentistry for people enrolled in Medicaid declined substantially from 2012 through 2019 for both children and adults. More specifically, the results showed: Consistent decreases in opioid prescription rates from 2.7% to 1.6% among children (aged 0-20 years) and from 28.6%
- [Provider and Public Perceptions of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)](https://carequest.org/provider-and-public-perceptions-of-silver-diamine-fluoride-sdf/) - Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is highly effective in arresting the progression of active caries as well as preventing new lesions. It has been commonly used as a treatment for children, and many parents appreciate its ease of use. Evidence shows that the application of SDF in children arrested 61% of new carious lesions. However, SDF
- [A Systematic Review of Dental-Related Emergency Department Visits among Medicaid Beneficiaries](https://carequest.org/a-systematic-review-of-dental-related-emergency-department-visits-among-medicaid-beneficiaries/) - The results of a new study published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry supports expanding insurance coverage in Medicaid programs to reduce emergency department use for nontraumatic dental conditions (NTDC) visits in the United States. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to assess the incidence of dental-related ED visits for Medicaid dental
- [The Effect of Well Child Visit Location on Preventative Dental Visit](https://carequest.org/the-effect-of-well-child-visit-location-on-preventative-dental-visit/) - A new study published in MDPI contributes to the understanding of medical-dental integration among Medicaid-enrolled children and offers insight into the promotion of oral health prevention within medical primary care. The study reveals most Medicaid enrolled children receive their well-child visit at an office and hospital, as compared to federally qualified health center, or rural or public
- [Using Motivational Interviewing in Dentistry Video Series](https://carequest.org/using-motivational-interviewing-in-dentistry-video-series/) - The “Using Motivational Interviewing in Dentistry” series, which highlights skills and techniques used to effectively engage with patients and to encourage them to become designers of their own oral health care. Motivational interviewing promotes trust and collaboration between the care team and caregiver/patient and is a foundational skill of person-centered care. An Open Ended
- [Reflecting and Summarizing](https://carequest.org/reflecting-and-summarizing/) - In this video, the provider shows how to use reflective listening statements and summarizations when engaging with an adolescent patient. https://youtu.be/L2Do91ovfUc This video is part of the “Using Motivational Interviewing in Dentistry” series, which highlights skills and techniques used to effectively engage with patients and to encourage them to become designers of their own oral health
- [Questions and Reflections While Discussing Patient Values](https://carequest.org/questions-and-reflections-while-discussing-patient-values/) - In this video, the provider focuses on understanding patient values and goals while using open-ended questions and reflective listening statements. https://youtu.be/c7HIucr7HQw This video is part of the “Using Motivational Interviewing in Dentistry” series, which highlights skills and techniques used to effectively engage with patients and to encourage them to become designers of their own oral health
- [Open-Ended Questions and Affirmations](https://carequest.org/open-ended-questions-and-affirmations/) - In this video, the provider showcases the communication techniques of asking open-ended questions and providing affirmations with a parent. https://youtu.be/OvlUm_ISbgw This video is part of the “Using Motivational Interviewing in Dentistry” series, which highlights skills and techniques used to effectively engage with patients and to encourage them to become designers of their own oral health care.
- [Following Up on Patient Goals and Evoking During Planning](https://carequest.org/following-up-on-patient-goals-and-evoking-during-planning/) - In this video, the provider checks in on a patient self-management goal, remembering to continue eliciting and evoking, even while planning. https://youtu.be/vYn_lMJWpGU This video is part of the “Using Motivational Interviewing in Dentistry” series, which highlights skills and techniques used to effectively engage with patients and to encourage them to become designers of their own oral
- [Engaging Around Patient Goals](https://carequest.org/engaging-around-patient-goals/) - In this video, the provider shows how discussing patient goals and values can increase engagement from an adolescent patient. https://youtu.be/H1ImCSpDwNU This video is part of the “Using Motivational Interviewing in Dentistry” series, which highlights skills and techniques used to effectively engage with patients and to encourage them to become designers of their own oral health care.
- [Engaging and Agenda Setting](https://carequest.org/engaging-and-agenda-setting/) - In this video, the provider focuses on the skills of engaging and agenda setting at the beginning of a dental appointment. https://youtu.be/IAZ42iyvXe8 This video is part of the “Using Motivational Interviewing in Dentistry” series, which highlights skills and techniques used to effectively engage with patients and to encourage them to become designers of their own oral
- [Elicit-Provide-Elicit (Ask-Tell-Ask)](https://carequest.org/elicit-provide-elicit-ask-tell-ask/) - In this video, the provider showcases the Elicit-Provide-Elicit (also known as Ask-Tell-Ask) framework, an effective tool for sharing information with a patient. https://youtu.be/-eblClyQxSw This video is part of the “Using Motivational Interviewing in Dentistry” series, which highlights skills and techniques used to effectively engage with patients and to encourage them to become designers of their own
- [Discussing Fluoride With a Parent](https://carequest.org/discussing-fluoride-with-a-parent/) - In this video, we witness a conversation about fluoride between a provider and a parent who has concerns about the treatment. The provider attempts to create partnership, honor autonomy, and effectively share information. https://youtu.be/X_7MUEfUxJM This video is part of the “Using Motivational Interviewing in Dentistry” series, which highlights skills and techniques used to effectively engage with
- [Close-Ended Questions During A Caries Risk Assessment](https://carequest.org/close-ended-questions-during-a-caries-risk-assessment/) - In this video, the provider asks closed-ended questions during a caries risk assessment with an adolescent patient to show how ineffective they can be. Often, closed-ended questions promote disengagement and provide little useful information. Open-ended questions, on the other hand, often result in more descriptive answers and increase engagement from patients. https://youtu.be/kKbmURomSuE This video is
- [Caries Risk Conversation](https://carequest.org/caries-risk-conversation/) - In this video, the provider engages in a caries risk assessment that is more like a conversation, creating an atmosphere that is warm, engaging, and inviting — and less like an exercise in checking boxes. https://youtu.be/mf7N14m3aGs This video is part of the “Using Motivational Interviewing in Dentistry” series, which highlights skills and techniques used to effectively
- [Caries Risk Assessment vs Caries Risk Conversation](https://carequest.org/caries-risk-assessment-vs-caries-risk-conversation/) - In this video, the first provider asks closed-ended questions during a caries risk assessment with an adolescent patient to show how ineffective they can be. Then, a second provider engages in a caries risk assessment that is more like a conversation, creating an atmosphere that is warm, engaging, and inviting — and less like an
- [An Open-Ended Question During A Caries Risk Conversation](https://carequest.org/an-open-ended-question-during-a-caries-risk-conversation/) - In this video, the provider shows how to ask an open-ended question to gain additional information from an adolescent patient. Open-ended questions, as opposed to closed-ended questions (e.g., When was the last time you went to the dentist? Do you have any cavities?) often result in more descriptive answers and increase engagement in patients. https://youtu.be/PuMuBd1n5_w
- [Association Between First Oral Examination Characteristics and Dental Treatment Needs in Privately Insured Children](https://carequest.org/association-between-first-oral-examination-characteristics-and-dental-treatment-needs-in-privately-insured-children/) - An article published in The Journal of the American Dental Association concluded that the high proportion of children requiring restorative treatment and late age at first dental screening indicate there’s a need to invest in educating general dentists, medical students, and pediatricians about oral health guidelines for pediatric patients. The authors of this study, which included de-identified
- [Dental Data Exchange: HL7® Implementation Guides](https://carequest.org/dental-data-exchange-hl7-implementation-guides/) - As part of the Dental Data Exchange Project, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health helped develop the first implementation guides to bridge the communication gap between primary care and oral health care. National partners and thought leaders, including representatives from the Department of Defense, the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization
- [The Oral-Systemic Connection and Why It's Important for Medical Professionals](https://carequest.org/the-oral-systemic-connection-and-why-its-important-for-medical-professionals/) - In this video, Mark Deutchman, MD, family medicine physician and professor at the University of Colorado, argues that medical schools need to do a better job of educating students about oral health. Many physicians understand that the mouth is important but don’t understand why. Better curricula are key for bridging that gap. https://youtu.be/4osXz6nk_YY You may
- [The Oral-Systemic Connection and Why It's Important for Dental Professionals](https://carequest.org/the-oral-systemic-connection-and-why-its-important-for-dental-professionals/) - In this video, Sean Boynes, DMD, MS, vice president of health improvement at CareQuest Institute, explains why it’s important to recognize that the mouth is part of the body. If you’re a dental provider trying to treat periodontal disease in someone who is diabetic or has cardiovascular disease, for example, you can’t treat those conditions
- [The Challenges and Opportunities of Care Coordination](https://carequest.org/the-challenges-and-opportunities-of-care-coordination/) - What are the challenges to care coordination? In this video, Sean Boynes, DMD, MS, vice president of health improvement at CareQuest Institute, explains how coordination can be daunting because it requires bridging silos and exposing a portion of your operation to someone else. Providers may hesitate to be open and honest about the weaknesses in
- [How Dental Practice Acts Impact Interprofessional Practice](https://carequest.org/how-dental-practice-acts-impact-interprofessional-practice/) - This video explains how the scope of practice and state regulations can affect efforts to transition dentistry from a surgical care model to a primary care dental model. One state may have a promising approach that could apply in others, but it may be difficult to replicate if regulations differ. States need to be open
- [Getting Started with Oral Health Integration in Primary Care](https://carequest.org/getting-started-with-oral-health-integration-in-primary-care/) - In this video, Mark Deutchman, MD, family medicine physician and professor at the University of Colorado, offers advice for integrating oral health into primary care. The first step is getting educated. Resources are available to learn about the connection between oral health and systemic health, oral health in pregnancy, and other key topics. Another important
- [Getting Started with Integration and Coordination of Physical Health in a Dental Setting](https://carequest.org/getting-started-with-integration-and-coordination-of-physical-health-in-a-dental-setting/) - Change is always difficult, and dental providers might feel daunted by the prospect of medical-dental integration. In this video, Sean Boynes, DMD, MS, advises dental providers not to take on too much. Instead of thinking you need to do it all, ask yourself: What’s the next thing you can do to improve patient care quality? https://youtu.be/QoXxYg8jGPY
- [The Importance of Oral Health During Pregnancy](https://carequest.org/the-importance-of-oral-health-during-pregnancy/) - The oral health of the mother is the best predictor of the oral health of the child. If the mother has poor oral hygiene, a poor diet, and a high bacterial load, that will get passed on to the child. Periodontal disease is also associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including pre-term labor and preeclampsia. This
- [A Dental Provider's Role in Supporting Patients with Diabetes](https://carequest.org/a-dental-providers-role-in-supporting-patients-with-diabetes/) - In this video, Sean Boynes, DMD, MS, vice president of health improvement at CareQuest Institute, explains how dental providers can play a key role in diabetes management. To do so, they need to understand the disease as well as how oral disease affects overall systemic well-being. Dental providers can help lay the groundwork for better
- [Person-Centered Care for Oral Health](https://carequest.org/person-centered-care-for-oral-health/) - In this video, Sean Boynes, DMD, MS, vice president of health improvement at CareQuest Institute, discusses the concept of person-centered care for oral health. Ultimately, it means putting an individual at the center of decision making, allowing them to codesign care, and asking them what they want out of this partnership. Person-centered care is holistic
- [Addressing Oral Health of Low-Income Populations: A Call to Action](https://carequest.org/addressing-oral-health-of-low-income-populations-a-call-to-action/) - A new commentary in JAMA Network Open underscores the importance of strengthening Medicaid benefits to include dental coverage. In the commentary, a response to “Addressing Oral Health of Low-Income Populations: A Call to Action,” authors Tamanna Tiwari, MPH, MDS, BDS, and CareQuest Institute’s Julie Franstve-Hawley, PhD, CAE, write that “it is imperative to have a concerted call
- [More Than Meets the Eye: Oral Health, Eye Health, and Overall Health](https://carequest.org/more-than-meets-the-eye-oral-health-eye-health-and-overall-health/) - An estimated 12 million Americans over age 40 live with some type of visual impairment, a number that is projected to increase as the population ages. And that number, many of those patients, will deal with health issues beyond the eye. To start, visual impairments have been linked with diminished oral health. Systemic causes of
- [Understanding Value in Oral Health: The Oral Health Value-Based Care Symposium](https://carequest.org/understanding-value-in-oral-health-the-oral-health-value-based-care-symposium/) - The implementation of value-based care in oral health brings both opportunities and challenges. This article describes a symposium, convened in December 2019, at which subject matter experts discussed this topic. The article describes the symposium process and methodology and summarizes themes that emerged. Key points include: Attendees of the symposium predicted that value-based would claim
- [The Wicked Problem of the Oral Health Care System: An Introduction](https://carequest.org/the-wicked-problem-of-the-oral-health-care-system-an-introduction/) - A “wicked problem” is one that has complex causes, is interconnected with other problems, and is difficult to describe. There is not one solution to the problem; instead, there are multiple approaches that collectively can foster change in a positive direction. The oral health system fits this description. Addressing the wicked problem of the oral
- [MORE Care: An Evaluation of an Interprofessional Oral Health Quality Improvement Initiative](https://carequest.org/more-care-an-evaluation-of-an-interprofessional-oral-health-quality-improvement-initiative/) - The Medical Oral Expanded Care (MORE Care) initiative focused on integration oral health into primary care practices in four states (South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Oregon). This paper describes the initiative’s collaborative methodology and assesses its outcomes. Key findings drawn from the work that started in 2015 and ended in 2020: The percentage of pediatric
- [Achieving Health Equity Through Oral Health Value-Based Care: A Funder’s Perspective](https://carequest.org/achieving-health-equity-through-oral-health-value-based-care-a-funders-perspective/) - There are significant racial disparities in oral health outcomes, mirroring overall health disparities. Funders and grantmakers have the opportunity to support systemic redesign of the oral health system in a way that contributes to reducing these disparities. This article describes grantmaking efforts of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health (which formerly funded grants as the DentaQuest
- [A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Oral Health Care Spending over the Life Span in Commercial- and Medicaid-Insured Populations](https://carequest.org/a-cross-sectional-analysis-of-oral-health-care-spending-over-the-life-span-in-commercial-and-medicaid-insured-populations/) - An article from CareQuest Institute researchers in the Journal of the American Dental Association features one of the most comprehensive life course analyses of spending on oral health care. Using data from more than 31 million Medicaid claims and more than 45 million commercial or Medicare supplemental claims, the analysis shows the complexities of the current dental
- [2021: Oral Health Information Technology Virtual Convening](https://carequest.org/2021-oral-health-information-technology-virtual-convening/) - State-Based Strategies for Dental Data Exchange and Care Coordination Care coordination is essential to providing patients with the best possible care — the right care, at the right time, in the right place. Ensuring that all providers caring for a given patient have access to the same information and can communicate seamlessly with one another is vital
- [Teledentistry: Opportunities for Expanding the Capacity and Reach of the Oral Health Care System](https://carequest.org/teledentistry-opportunities-for-expanding-the-capacity-and-reach-of-the-oral-health-care-system/) - Teledentistry is a tool that has been used for several decades with the potential to transform oral health care delivery. It can improve oral health by helping to reduce barriers that have kept people from accessing oral health care, such as cost, time, distance, and availability of providers. A new Best Practice Approach Report, a collaboration between the Association of
- [Identifying the Utility of Dental Providers in Human Papillomavirus Prevention Efforts: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015–2018](https://carequest.org/identifying-the-utility-of-dental-providers-in-human-papillomavirus-prevention-efforts-results-from-the-national-health-and-nutrition-examination-survey-2015-2018/) - Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection that causes all cervical cancers and 70% of oropharyngeal cancers. HPV vaccines are available and effective — they have the potential to prevent 90% of HPV-related cancers. However, only half of adolescents ages 13–17 are vaccinated. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV unvaccinated adolescents and young
- [Health Equity Needs Teeth](https://carequest.org/health-equity-needs-teeth/) - People who are poor or members of communities of color face inequitable oral disease burden. And continued separation of dental care from medical care exacerbates these inequities, creating difficult choices involving pain, payment options, and inadequate care in emergency departments. A new peer-reviewed article in the AMA Journal of Ethics, part of an issue about inequity along the medical/dental divide, highlights how value-based approaches to health care can improve outcomes
- [Age of First Oral Health Examination and Dental Treatment Needs of Medicaid-Enrolled Children](https://carequest.org/age-of-first-oral-health-examination-and-dental-treatment-needs-of-medicaid-enrolled-children/) - CareQuest Institute researchers contributed to this article — published in the December 2021 issue of JDR Clinical & Translational Research — that underscores the importance of a child’s first dental visit before their first birthday to prevent early childhood caries, the most prevalent disease of childhood. “Primary care providers have an important role in preventing dental caries in children through oral health examination and referrals to dentists and pediatric
- [The Impact of Underutilization of Preventive Dental Care by Adult Medicaid Participants](https://carequest.org/the-impact-of-underutilization-of-preventive-dental-care-by-adult-medicaid-participants/) - In this article published in BMC Oral Health, CareQuest Institute researchers examined the existing peer-reviewed literature to determine who is most often evaluated for oral health literacy (OHL), what oral health measures and interventions are utilized, and who is responsible for improving OHL and oral health outcomes. Researchers found that OHL studies were representative of groups
- [Oral Health Professionals Are Ready to Accept Teledentistry](https://carequest.org/oral-health-professionals-are-ready-to-accept-teledentistry/) - During the COVID-19 pandemic, many oral health providers incorporated teledentistry into their practices. What successes and challenges did they uncover? How have their perceptions of teledentistry evolved? To find out, CareQuest Institute conducted a series of three surveys of dental team members from Advantage Dental Oral Health Center in Oregon and Washington. These surveys explored how attitudes toward teledentistry changed over the course of six months as providers gained experience with virtual workflows and new software within the practices. Before implementation, nearly a third (32%)
- [Large-Scale Dental Data Collection: Lessons Learned and Opportunities Gained](https://carequest.org/large-scale-dental-data-collection-lessons-learned-and-opportunities-gained/) - The Community Oral Health Transformation (COrHT) Learning Community, an improvement initiative organized by CareQuest Institute, supports the transformation of the oral health care delivery system from a fee-for-service model to a prevention and value-based care model. Within the initiative, 10 community health centers in Ohio and Arizona collected clinical and operational data to improve care
- [Association Between Mental Health and Oral Health Status and Care Utilization](https://carequest.org/association-between-mental-health-and-oral-health-status-and-care-utilization/) - A new study from CareQuest Institute is the first to evaluate the relationship between oral health and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a nationally representative survey of adults in the US, the study found that adults who reported poor mental health were: More likely to be facing financial and emotional hardships More likely to
- [Teledentistry Helps Provide the Right Care at the Right Time](https://carequest.org/teledentistry-helps-provide-the-right-care-at-the-right-time/) - Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, dental providers turned to teledentistry to triage and communicate with patients. While teledentistry was thought to improve access and reduce costs, research on it was limited — especially on the types of follow-up treatments provided after a teledentistry visit. To address this gap, CareQuest Institute researchers examined data on oral health outcomes
- [Oral Cancer Prevalence, Mortality, and Costs in Medicaid and Commercial Insurance Claims Data](https://carequest.org/oral-cancer-prevalence-mortality-and-costs-in-medicaid-and-commercial-insurance-claims-data/) - A new journal article, co-authored by CareQuest Institute researchers, concludes that Medicaid enrollees experienced higher oral cancer and throat cancer incidence, prevalence, and mortality compared with commercially insured adults. The article is based on a study that compared all cases (prevalence) and new cases (incidence) of oral and throat cancers among approximately 38,000 Medicaid enrollees
- [Double the Care: How Medical-Dental Integration Is Expanding Access in Ohio](https://carequest.org/double-the-care-how-medical-dental-integration-is-expanding-access-in-ohio/) - Taiwo Ngo, DDS, has witnessed how medical-dental integration can help more people get the health care they need. “I had a patient — a child — that Dr. Obeto referred to me,” Ngo says. “And they didn’t call, and so I called [the child’s guardian] to make the appointment.” Ngo gets dental referrals frequently at
- [Medical-Dental Integration Just Got a Boost](https://carequest.org/medical-dental-integration-just-got-a-boost/) - As part of the Dental Data Exchange Project, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health helped develop the first implementation guides to help bridge the communication gap between primary care and oral health care. National partners and thought leaders collaborated on the guides, which include critical information for electronic dental health information (EHI) coordination. These new publications, formally known
- [What’s Next for Oral Health in Medicare? A Former Congressman Explains.](https://carequest.org/whats-next-for-oral-health-in-medicare-a-former-congressman-explains/) - Congress is working on significant legislation — including adding dental coverage to Medicare — that could improve the lives of millions of Americans. So, what happens next? And how did we end up in this situation where we’re trying to expand dental coverage for people who need it most? Chet Atkins served as Congressman for the 5th
- [CareQuest Institute Applauds Federal Recognition of Juneteenth, Calls for Continued Action](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-applauds-federal-recognition-of-juneteenth-calls-for-continued-action/) - At CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, equity is at the core of everything we do. Whether it’s through our grantmaking, advocacy, health improvement work, education or research we prioritize the underserved and amplify their voices. Today, we stand together and applaud the passage of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, CareQuest Institute president
- [Why Vaccines Could Signal a Future of Integrated Care](https://carequest.org/why-vaccines-could-signal-a-future-of-integrated-care/) - Do you have any symptoms of COVID-19? Have you been in contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19? Have you had a positive COVID-19 test in the last 14 days? These familiar questions won’t go away anytime soon when visiting a dental or medical office. However, patients of the dental clinic at Harbor Health Services,
- [Charting a New Path for Oral Health Care](https://carequest.org/charting-a-new-path-for-oral-health-care/) - The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health recently conducted a large national survey to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the health of communities across our country. The goal was to understand how the pandemic has shaped perceptions, behaviors, and outcomes in the past year. The results were clear: serious challenges in health care lie ahead
- [Evaluating Trust in the Patient-Dentist Relationship: A Mixed-Method Study](https://carequest.org/evaluating-trust-in-the-patient-dentist-relationship-a-mixed-method-study/) - A new study from CareQuest Institute and the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, the first to use the Dental Trust Scale (DTS) in the United States, found that dental trust was significantly higher in patients who have a regular dentist and said they have excellent general health. Researchers administered the questionnaire to 150
- [2022: Exploring Connections to Value-Based Care in Dental Education](https://carequest.org/2022-exploring-connections-to-value-based-care-in-dental-education/) - Although value-based care remains a new topic area for schools of dentistry, the opportunity to shift the mindset of new clinicians toward new approaches and embrace the future is promising. During a poster presentation, CareQuest Institute Value-Based Care Director Rebekah Mathews shared results from a study examining the results of a survey disseminated to clinical
- [2022: Oral Health Integration: Attitudes on Medical-Dental Collaboration](https://carequest.org/2022-oral-health-integration-attitudes-on-medical-dental-collaboration/) - Medical-dental integration encourages providers to create comprehensive care plans for the whole person. CareQuest Institute Research Analyst Adrianna Sonnek further explained medical-dental integration through the lens of our State of Oral Health Equity in America survey. The nationally representative, probability-based survey of adult consumer attitudes, experiences, and behaviors on oral health sheds light on the inextricable link between
- [2022: Interpretation of Ambiguous Dental Scenarios by Severity of Dental Anxiety](https://carequest.org/2022-interpretation-of-ambiguous-dental-scenarios-by-severity-of-dental-anxiety/) - Dental anxiety poses a significant barrier to adequate oral health care for 5-15% of adults, explained CareQuest Institute Science Writer Lisa Heaton in a presentation on dental anxiety. Heaton provided results from a recent study analyzing how dentally anxious individuals compare to those with lower dental anxiety when interpreting ambiguous dental scenarios. The study concluded:
- [2022: Diabetes Treatment Costs Decrease after Periodontal Therapy: Medicaid and Commercial Claims Data](https://carequest.org/2022-diabetes-treatment-costs-decrease-after-periodontal-therapy-medicaid-and-commercial-claims-data/) - A healthy mouth is vital to a diabetes management program. During this poster presentation, CareQuest Institute Research and Analytics Manager Madhuli Thakkar-Samtani shared data from a recent study examining the relationship between periodontal treatment and diabetic medical costs in both commercial Medicaid claims data. Principal findings included: Receiving periodontal therapy reduced overall health care costs
- [Dentist Perceptions about the Value of Teledentistry](https://carequest.org/dentist-perceptions-about-the-value-of-teledentistry/) - This article, by researchers at CareQuest Institute and the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, shows that nearly one-quarter of dentists surveyed are using teledentistry and 93% expect teledentistry to lead to a long-term change in how they practice. The article shares results from a survey of nearly 3,000 dentists and in-depth interviews with 10 dentists. This study
- [How Depression Is Linked to Oral Health](https://carequest.org/how-depression-is-linked-to-oral-health/) - Eight Findings on the Growing Link Between Mental Health and Oral Health A growing body of research, highlighted in this visual report, shows that our emotional state is connected to our oral health. For example, depression can be linked to poor oral hygiene, fewer dental visits, and other oral health problems. Key findings from CareQuest
- [Undermining Racism: A Road to Promoting Equity in Oral Health](https://carequest.org/undermining-racism-a-road-to-promoting-equity-in-oral-health/) - A new article in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry (JPHD) explains how the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN) approaches systemic and institutional racism to address oral health inequities. The article is included in JPHD’s special issue about anti-racism in dental public health. Co-authors, Michael Monopoli, CareQuest Institute’s vice president for grant strategy, and Ifetayo B. Johnson, OPEN’s
- [Incidence, Mortality, and Cost Trends in Nonventilator Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia in Medicaid Beneficiaries, 2015-2019](https://carequest.org/incidence-mortality-and-cost-trends-in-nonventilator-hospital-acquired-pneumonia-in-medicaid-beneficiaries-2015-2019/) - An article in the American Journal of Infection Control, co-authored by CareQuest Institute researchers, examines the impact of nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NVHAP) among Medicaid enrollees. NVHAP occurs in about 1 out of every 100 hospitalized patients and is associated with longer hospital stays, hospital readmissions, and increased health care costs. The authors found that the mean
- [Value-Based Care: The Federally Qualified Health Center Story](https://carequest.org/value-based-care-the-federally-qualified-health-center-story/) - Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) serve as a point of care for over 28 million patients annually, many of whom are uninsured, living in poverty and located in rural areas. These social determinants of health create chronic conditions, including a disproportionate burden of oral disease, within a vulnerable patient community. Facilitated by better access to technology infrastructure and coordinated
- [2022: Oral Health in Households with Disabilities](https://carequest.org/2022-oral-health-in-households-with-disabilities/) - Millions of Americans lack access to routine dental care and resort to visiting hospital emergency departments (EDs) for non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDCs). What drives those costly ED visits and who is most likely to make them? A new visual report from CareQuest Institute explores those questions within the state of Florida. ED Visits and Lack
- [Join Us in Helping Maui Wildfire Victims](https://carequest.org/join-us-in-helping-maui-wildfire-victims/) - CareQuest Institute has pledged $150,000 in donations to help support recovery efforts and fire victims in Maui, where thousands have been displaced and much of the town of Lāhainā has been destroyed. CareQuest Institute will make contributions to the following trusted organizations. Please consider donating and spread the word to help relief efforts. Organizations
- [A Health Center in Michigan Shows the Path to Value and Sustainability](https://carequest.org/a-health-center-in-michigan-shows-the-path-to-value-and-sustainability/) - Many of the patients Lauren Rush, DDS, sees at MyCare Health Center in Michigan have to choose between taking care of their own personal health or putting food on the table for their family. That’s because at MyCare Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), most patients are enrolled in Medicaid. That means they have
- [A Voice for the Unheard: Improving Oral Health in Connecticut](https://carequest.org/a-voice-for-the-unheard-improving-oral-health-in-connecticut/) - On a warm Saturday in November, dozens of vendors lined Dunkin’ Park in Hartford, Connecticut, for the Get Out the Vote Health Fair, where visitors could find information on health care resources and connect with community partners. One of those booths belonged to the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI) — an organization that advocates for oral
- [Voices from the Field: Dr. Lisa Bozzetti on Creative Ways to Improve Community Health](https://carequest.org/voices-from-the-field-dr-lisa-bozzetti-on-creative-ways-to-improve-community-health/) - As part of his role to advance the integration of oral health and overall health, CareQuest Institute Chief Health Equity Officer Kaz Rafia, DDS, MBA, MPH, is always trying to find exemplars. He seeks models and individuals that are focused on the community and on finding innovative ways to improve the system. He’s looking for
- [Making Connections to Improve Oral Health Care in Alabama](https://carequest.org/making-connections-to-improve-oral-health-care-in-alabama/) - Jennifer Harris, the senior health policy advocate at Alabama Arise, says no day is the same at her job. “You may have someone that’s working over here to reduce tooth decay in school-age children, and then you may have someone in another part of the state that is looking at the accessibility for someone who’s
- [The Bulletin: Address The Dental Care Inequity by Empowering Hispanic Communities](https://carequest.org/the-bulletin-address-the-dental-care-inequity-by-empowering-hispanic-communities/) - "To treat people as a whole, we need to bridge the gaps between oral and overall health systems and start integrating medical and dental care, including better integrating electronic health records so dentists and primary care providers can share and access pertinent patient information." Read the full story here.
- [Illinois Business Journal: Delta Dental of Illinois Enhances Dental Coverage for Individuals With Disabilities](https://carequest.org/illinois-business-journal-delta-dental-of-illinois-enhances-dental-coverage-for-individuals-with-disabilities/) - More than half (52.8%) of individuals in households experiencing disabilities are more frequently denied health care or oral health care due to discrimination. To support individuals with disabilities, the Delta Dental of Illinois Enhanced Benefits Program included additional checkups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments. Read the full story here.
- [Dental Economics: Value-Based Payment Alignment: A Case Study For Oral Health](https://carequest.org/dental-economics-value-based-payment-alignment-a-case-study-for-oral-health/) - Because of Texas advancing quality care and dental APMs, the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health conducted an evaluation of dental utilization data against the CMMI quality and cost criteria. An analysis was conducted using claims data from DentaQuest, a participating DMO. It used DentaQuest claims associated with Texas Medicaid from January 2016 to September 2021
- [KMOX Radio: Hundreds of Thousands of Missourians Lost Dental Coverage in Medicaid Rollback in 2023](https://carequest.org/kmox-radio-hundreds-of-thousands-of-missourians-lost-dental-coverage-in-medicaid-rollback-in-2023/) - Gary Harbison, Executive Director of the Missouri Oral Health Coalition, talks with KMOX Radio about the 224,063 people who lost dental coverage due to the Medicaid unwinding in 2023 in Missouri.
- [News From the States: Medicare Should Include Dental Coverage, Dentists Tell U.S. Senate Panel](https://carequest.org/news-from-the-states-medicare-should-include-dental-coverage-dentists-tell-u-s-senate-panel/) - "Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, president and CEO of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health in Boston, told the panel that traditional Medicare’s exclusion of dental benefits leaves about “half of Medicare enrollees, nearly 25 million older Americans and people with disabilities, without dental benefits.”' Read the full story here.
- [WTSP Tampa Bay 10: A Veteran's Fight to Restore His Smile Highlights Dental Care Issues Through the VA](https://carequest.org/wtsp-tampa-bay-10-a-veterans-fight-to-restore-his-smile-highlights-dental-care-issues-through-the-va/) - "According to a new study from CareQuest and the American Institute of Dental Public Health, of the more than 9 million veterans who are eligible for medical care from the VA, 85% are not eligible for dental coverage." Watch the news clip and read the full article here.
- [Healthcare Innovation: At Senate Hearing, Experts Call for More Dental Coverage in Medicare, Medicaid](https://carequest.org/healthcare-innovation-at-senate-hearing-experts-call-for-more-dental-coverage-in-medicare-medicaid/) - “'That was a moment of reckoning for me. It was unacceptable that a preventable disease was impacting our children in this way. This experience is what ultimately led me to my work at CareQuest Institute,” Minter-Jordan said." Read the full story here.
- [Decisions in Dentistry: Breaking the Silence: Senate Takes Aim at America’s Dental Crisis with Eye-Opening Testimony](https://carequest.org/decisions-in-dentistry-breaking-the-silence-senate-takes-aim-at-americas-dental-crisis-with-eye-opening-testimony/) - In a landmark hearing before the Senate HELP Committee, led by Chairman Bernie Sanders and ranking member Bill Cassidy, oral health stakeholders and dental professionals delivered compelling testimony on the staggering disparities in dental care accessibility and affordability across America. Speakers, which included Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA, president, and CEO of CareQuest Institute for Oral
- [Dental Products Report: Dental Leaders Testify Before Senate HELP Committee on Dental Care Crisis](https://carequest.org/dental-products-report-dental-leaders-testify-before-senate-help-committee-on-dental-care-crisis/) - Dr Myechia Minter-Jordan, President and CEO of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, also testified, highlighting the stark reality that nearly 70 million adults and nearly 8 million children in the U.S. lack dental insurance. This coverage gap exacerbates the oral health crisis, leading many to forgo essential dental care. “It’s up to all of us
- [WOAY NewsWatch: Biden Administration Finalizes Rule Allowing States to Add Dental Insurance Coverage to Affordable Care Act Plans](https://carequest.org/woay-newswatch-biden-administration-finalizes-rule-allowing-states-to-add-dental-insurance-coverage-to-affordable-care-act-plans/) - According to the Carequest Institute for Oral Health, nearly 69 million adults did not have dental insurance or access to routine oral health care last year. Read the full story here.
- [Beckers Dental: Sen. Bernie Sanders Introduces Comprehensive Dental Care Reform Act: 5 Notes](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-sen-bernie-sanders-introduces-comprehensive-dental-care-reform-act-5-notes/) - Sen. Bernie Sanders introduced a bill May 17 to expand dental care coverage for veterans and low-income individuals as well as increase the oral healthcare workforce. The legislation has been endorsed by several organizations, including the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Read the full story here.
- [Dental Products Report: CareQuest Institute for Oral Health Awards Grant Funding for Oral Health Equity Projects](https://carequest.org/dental-products-report-carequest-institute-for-oral-health-awards-grant-funding-for-oral-health-equity-projects/) - Oral health nonprofit CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has proudly announced its rewarding of over $2.3 million in grant funds to various equity projects across the U.S. Organizations in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Texas, and Vermont have received funding for projects that aim to make oral health care more accessible, according to Director
- [KFF Health News: Variation in Use of Dental Services by Children and Adults Enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP](https://carequest.org/kff-health-news-variation-in-use-of-dental-services-by-children-and-adults-enrolled-in-medicaid-or-chip/) - Nearly half of children covered by Medicaid or CHIP receive at least one dental service within the year compared with only one-fifth of adult Medicaid enrollees, reflecting differences in coverage policies for children and adults. Read the full story here.
- [You Earned This Podcast: "Teeth are Part of the Body Too!" aka "Medicare Should Cover Dental Coverage"](https://carequest.org/you-earned-this-podcast-teeth-are-part-of-the-body-too-aka-medicare-should-cover-dental-coverage/) - Half of Medicare beneficiaries did not visit the dentist during the past year because they couldn't afford to. Melissa Burroughs of the advocacy group Care Quest says neglecting oral health can contribute to serious health issues in older people --- including Alzheimer's, heart disease, and diabetes. Worse yet, traditional Medicare does not cover routine dental
- [The Tennessean: Black Maternal Health is in Crisis. Good Dental Hygiene Could Help Expectant Mothers](https://carequest.org/the-tennessean-black-maternal-health-is-in-crisis-good-dental-hygiene-could-help-expectant-mothers/) - Unfortunately, fewer than half of pregnant women nationally have their teeth cleaned during pregnancy. Black women are 14% less likely to get their teeth cleaned during pregnancy than white women, even though data shows no difference in dental visits prior to pregnancy for those groups. Read the full story here.
- [Disability Insider: Advance Legislation to Improve Health of the Disability Community – Kids Like Lillian Need You](https://carequest.org/disability-insider-advance-legislation-to-improve-health-of-the-disability-community-kids-like-lillian-need-you/) - Research from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health also reveals that individuals with disabilities are more frequently denied care due to discrimination and are more likely to have to visit the emergency department for dental care. Read the full story here.
- [The Virginian-Pilot: Column: Alleviate the Oral Health Workforce Crisis in Virginia](https://carequest.org/the-virginian-pilot-column-alleviate-the-oral-health-workforce-crisis-in-virginia/) - Good oral health is crucial for overall well-being, yet access to high-quality care remains a persistent challenge for many Virginians. Virginia's Medicaid program offers comprehensive dental coverage to all members, for example, but slightly more than half of enrolled children saw a dentist last year — and even fewer adults received care. Access issues are
- [Becker's Dental Review: What's Needed to Advance Medical-Dental Integration: CareQuest CEO](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-whats-needed-to-advance-medical-dental-integration-carequest-ceo/) - Dr. Minter-Jordan recently spoke with Becker's about what medical-dental integration efforts can learn from the behavioral health field and the factors that will support medical-dental integration in the future. Read the full story here.
- [Beckers Physician Leadership: The Health Care Issue That Brought 2 Physicians in Front of The Senate](https://carequest.org/beckers-physician-leadership-the-health-care-issue-that-brought-2-physicians-in-front-of-the-senate/) - Dr. Minter-Jordan is an internal medicine physician and the president and CEO of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Dr. Simon is an associate physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a fellow in oral health and medicine integration at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Boston. Both doctors recently spoke with Becker's about
- [KSHB 41 News: How Much Are You Willing To Pay For Your Smile?](https://carequest.org/kshb-41-news-how-much-are-you-willing-to-pay-for-your-smile/) - The CareQuest Institute, a nonprofit that focuses on equitable care, reports millions of Americans lost their dental insurance from Medicaid last fall, adding to the more than 68 million adults who don't have dental insurance. Watch news clip and read full article here.
- [ADHA Journal of Dental Hygiene: Medical-Dental Integration In Ohio: Improving Prevention and Coordination at The Local Level](https://carequest.org/adha-journal-of-dental-hygiene-medical-dental-integration-in-ohio-improving-prevention-and-coordination-at-the-local-level/) - Medical-dental integration is a critical component designed to enhance and broaden the oral health care delivery model. MORE Care® is a framework for communities to leverage their resources and relationships by providing tools and resources to integrate preventive oral health services into primary care settings. This report will show how local stakeholders advocated for an
- [ADHA Journal of Dental Hygiene: Community Oral Health Initiative: Driving Value-Based Transformation In North Carolina](https://carequest.org/adha-journal-of-dental-hygiene-community-oral-health-initiative-driving-value-based-transformation-in-north-carolina/) - CareQuest Institute for Oral Health’s mission is to improve the oral health of all. One way to achieve this is through programmatic initiatives, which train dental clinics to provide equitable, integrated and accessible care for their communities. The Community Oral Health Transformation (COrHT) Initiative, allowed CareQuest Institute to collaborate with the North Carolina Oral Health
- [Dentistry IQ: US Senate Confronts Dental Staffing Crisis](https://carequest.org/dentistry-iq-us-senate-confronts-dental-staffing-crisis/) - More than 56 million Americans reside in areas with a shortage of dental professionals, and over 68 million adults lack dental insurance, creating substantial barriers to accessing care.5 Marginalized populations are disproportionately affected by these shortages, exacerbating existing disparities in oral health outcomes. A diverse dental workforce is necessary to better understand and respond to
- [Spotlight Delaware: Fractured & Decayed: Latinos Struggle for Delaware Dental Care](https://carequest.org/spotlight-delaware-fractured-decayed-latinos-struggle-for-delaware-dental-care/) - Nationally, over 6 million adults lost their dental coverage in 2023 with Hispanic people being twice as likely to have lost dental insurance than white non-Hispanic individuals, according to a CareQuest Institute for Oral Health survey. Read the full story here.
- [Dental Assistant Nation: Shocking Statistics and the Dental Patient Connection](https://carequest.org/dental-assistant-nation-shocking-statistics-and-the-dental-patient-connection/) - Kevin Henry interviews Lisa Heaton from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health about the importance of health screenings in dental practices. They discuss the disconnect between patients' willingness to undergo screenings and the low percentage of patients actually receiving them. Listen to the full episode here.
- [Beckers Dental Review: 24.8M People Now Disenrolled from Medicaid: 13 Notes for Dentists](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-24-8m-people-now-disenrolled-from-medicaid-13-notes-for-dentists/) - Recent data from CareQuest shows that about 12 million adults and children lost their dental coverage between April and September of 2023, with an additional two million people estimated to have lost coverage between September and December 2023. Read the full story here.
- [Beckers Dental Review: 180+ Groups Urge Congress to Back Continuous Medicaid Coverage: 7 Notes for Dental Leaders](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-180-groups-urge-congress-to-back-continuous-medicaid-coverage-7-notes-for-dental-leaders/) - Nearly 190 organizations signed a letter urging legislators to pass the Stabilize Medicaid and CHIP Coverage Act. Dental and oral health organizations that signed the bill include the Carequest Institute for Oral Health and more. Read the full story here.
- [10 Tampa Bay WTSP: Veteran Overcomes Dental Struggles with Help from Florida Nonprofit](https://carequest.org/10-tampa-bay-wtsp-veteran-overcomes-dental-struggles-with-help-from-florida-nonprofit/) - According to a new study from CareQuest and the American Institute of Dental Public Health, of the more than 9 million veterans who are eligible for medical care from the VA, 85% are not eligible for dental coverage. Watch news clip and read full story here.
- [Journal of Public Health Dentistry: Teledentistry utilization by oral health professionals and policy considerations: A mixed methods case study](https://carequest.org/journal-of-public-health-dentistry-teledentistry-utilization-by-oral-health-professionals-and-policy-considerations-a-mixed-methods-case-study/) - In this mixed methods case study, we collected teledentistry claims data from patient electronic health records encompassing various types of teledentistry utilization in clinical settings and through community outreach from a Dental Support Organization (DSO) in Oregon from January 2021 to November 2022. Read the full story here.
- [Oral Health Next Gen: Teledentistry: Bridging The Kilometres Between You And Your Patients](https://carequest.org/oralhygiene-teledentistry-bridging-the-kilometres-between-you-and-your-patients/) - In a 2022 study of nearly 2,800 dental providers conducted by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, the scope of survey respondents’ teledentistry practices was vast. Read the full story here.
- [Beckers Dental Review: Voters Care About Dentistry – Why The Candidates Should Too](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-voters-care-about-dentistry-why-the-candidates-should-too-2/) - Voters across the political spectrum have expressed strong support for legislation to improve and expand access to dental care, according to polls from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Read the full story here.
- [The Cap Times: Why Is Dental Care So Hard To Get In Wisconsin?](https://carequest.org/the-cap-times-why-is-dental-care-so-hard-to-get-in-wisconsin/) - In 2020, Wisconsin was one of just three states and the District of Columbia whose Medicaid programs offered “extensive” dental coverage for adults, according to a survey by the nonprofit CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Read the full story here.
- [Journal Of Public Health Dentistry: Dental Anxiety And Oral Health In American Indian And Alaska Natives](https://carequest.org/journal-of-public-health-dentistry-dental-anxiety-and-oral-health-in-american-indian-and-alaska-natives/) - Members of other ethnic minority groups, such as Hispanic populations, avoid dental visits due to dental care related fear and anxiety, but no known studies have directly explored dental fear and anxiety among AI/AN populations. Moreover, a dearth of literature exists more generally regarding dental anxiety in the AI/AN population, except for one recent white
- [Becker's Dental Review: Medicaid Disenrollment Surpasses 25M: 11 Notes For Dentists](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-medicaid-disenrollment-surpasses-25m-11-notes-for-dentists/) - Recent data from CareQuest shows that about 12 million adults and children lost their dental coverage between April and September of 2023, with an additional two million people estimated to have lost coverage between September and December 2023. Read the full story here.
- [NCSL Podcasts: Ideas and Opportunities: Highlights From NCSL’s Health Policy Seminar](https://carequest.org/ncsl-podcasts-ideas-and-opportunities-highlights-from-ncsls-health-policy-seminar/) - From soaring costs of health care to record high rates of infectious diseases and widespread mental health issues, lawmakers across the country face mounting health challenges affecting their constituents. Read the full story here.
- [American Journal of Managed Care: 5 Specialty Care Shortages in Rural Communities](https://carequest.org/american-journal-of-managed-care-5-specialty-care-shortages-in-rural-communities/) - With oral health being a “key indicator of overall health,” the disproportionate effect of oral disease is moreso seen in rural environments, where 40% of residents have not visited a dentist in the past year. Read the full story here.
- [Authority Magazine: Melissa Burroughs of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health on How the US Health System Can Improve Medical Care for Women Over Forty](https://carequest.org/authority-magazine-melissa-burroughs-of-carequest-institute-for-oral-health-on-how-the-us-health-system-can-improve-medical-care-for-women-over-forty/) - Women over forty often face unique health challenges and disparities in the medical care they receive. These women are at a critical stage in life where they may be dealing with menopause, increased risk of chronic diseases, and other age-related health issues. Despite the importance of tailored medical care, many feel underserved by the current
- [RDH Magazine: Dental Hygienists Need To Push For Oral Health Equity](https://carequest.org/rdh-magazine-dental-hygienists-need-to-push-for-oral-health-equity/) - According to the 2023 State of Oral Health Equity in America report by Care Quest Institute, when study participants were asked why they don’t plan to see a dentist for preventive or routine care in the coming year, 45% cited cost, while 28% pointed to a lack of insurance. Read the full story here.
- [USA Today: Dental Coverage For Seniors Is Wildly Popular. Why Don't Candidates Discuss It?](https://carequest.org/usa-today-dental-coverage-for-seniors-is-wildly-popular-why-dont-candidates-discuss-it/) - About nine in 10 voters support adding a dental benefit to Medicare, according to a poll of 1,000 registered voters commissioned this summer by the nonprofit CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, which is focused on access and equity, and the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network. The issue has nearly universal support among Democratic voters
- [Rock Health: Brushing Up On Oral Health: The Case For Expanded Oral Health Innovation And Investment](https://carequest.org/rock-health-brushing-up-on-oral-health-the-case-for-expanded-oral-health-innovation-and-investment/) - According to a 2021 CareQuest Institute survey, 96% of oral health providers believe data-driven decision support technologies improve patient care, signaling high real-world acceptance. New tech also strengthens the provider-patient relationship by involving patients more in their treatment decisions. Read the full story here.
- [Healthcare Innovation: What Is the Potential for Value-Based Care in Dentistry?](https://carequest.org/healthcare-innovation-what-is-the-potential-for-value-based-care-in-dentistry/) - "Caitlin Walsdorf recently spoke with Healthcare Innovation about a new survey-based report that explores value-based care (VBC) implementation in dentistry. The survey was a collaboration between HealthScape, the CareQuest Institute of Oral Health and the National Association of Dental Plans." Read the full story here.
- [Border Belt: ‘Not Enough Dentists’: Border Belt Counties Need Better Access To Dental Care](https://carequest.org/border-belt-not-enough-dentists-border-belt-counties-need-better-access-to-dental-care/) - Across the country, 40% of adults living in rural environments said they have not visited the dentist in over a year, and over 65% of rural areas nationwide have dentist shortages, according to a 2023 report by the nonprofit CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Read the full story here.
- [Beckers Dental Review: What Dental Leaders Told Us In September](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-what-dental-leaders-told-us-in-september/) - Several dental industry leaders spoke with Becker's about their strategies for growth, the presidential election and the biggest challenges facing DSOs. Read the full story here.
- [Investopedia: How Harris and Democrats Will Change Medicare If They Win](https://carequest.org/investopedia-how-harris-and-democrats-will-change-medicare-if-they-win/) - Adding dental benefits to Medicare enjoys broad support among the public, with 72% “very much” supporting the idea, including 64% of voters loyal to former President Donald Trump, according to a July 2024 CareQuest-OPEN poll. Read the full story here.
- [Dentistry IQ: New Study Finds Patients With ADHD Are At A Greater Risk For Poor Oral Health](https://carequest.org/dentistry-iq-new-study-finds-patients-with-adhd-are-at-a-greater-risk-for-poor-oral-health/) - A recent report by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health discovered that adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to have poor oral health than those without ADHD. Read the full story here.
- [Gizmodo: X-Raying Your Head Every Year at the Dentist Might Be Totally Unnecessary](https://carequest.org/gizmodo-x-raying-your-head-every-year-at-the-dentist-might-be-totally-unnecessary/) - X-rays are wildly popular among dentists. A 2023 study found that 320 million dental radiography procedures were performed in 2016, or just under one for every resident of the country. That’s incredible, given that, according to the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, over a quarter of the population doesn’t have dental insurance. Read the full
- [The Dentist Magazine: Patients With ADHD Often Suffer With Worse Oral Health, Says Study](https://carequest.org/the-dentist-magazine-patients-with-adhd-often-suffer-with-worse-oral-health-says-study/) - Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at a greater risk of having poor oral health, according to a report released by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Read the full story here.
- [Becker's Dental Review: Lower-income Families Spend 7 Times More on Dental Care: Report](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-lower-income-families-spend-7-times-more-on-dental-care-report/) - "CareQuest concluded that more solutions are needed to improve dental care accessibility in the U.S. Some of these solutions include expanding adult dental coverage under Medicaid and increasing provider participation in Medicaid, CareQuest said." Read the full story here.
- [Dr. Bicuspid: Lower-income Families Disproportionately Pay More for Dental Care](https://carequest.org/dr-bicuspid-lower-income-families-disproportionately-pay-more-for-dental-care/) - "In the U.S., inequalities in unmet dental needs and care costs persist across income groups, with out-of-pocket costs rising significantly among lower-income families in recent years. The new report was released by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health." Read the full story here.
- [Dental Products Report: CareQuest Study Reveals Lower-Income Families Spend 7X More on Dental Care](https://carequest.org/dental-products-report-carequest-study-reveals-lower-income-families-spend-7x-more-on-dental-care/) - "A new Care Quest Institute for Oral Health® report shows that poorer families paid 7.4 times more in out-of-pocket expenditures for dental care compared to high-income families between 2007 and 2021. The report, “Lower-Income Families Still Spend More on Dental Care,” also reveals that families living in poverty and those with lower incomes were less
- [Dental Products Report: Employing Value-Based Care in the Dental Practice](https://carequest.org/dental-products-report-employing-value-based-care-in-the-dental-practice/) - This model focuses on preventive care, patient satisfaction, and long-term health benefits, aiming to improve overall dental health and reduce costs associated with extensive treatments. By prioritizing effective treatments and patient-centered care, value-based dentistry seeks to deliver better health outcomes, enhance patient experiences, and foster a more sustainable health care system, according to Danielle Apostolon,
- [Beckers Dental Review: 'Dental Health is More Than a Nice Smile': What We Heard in June](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-dental-health-is-more-than-a-nice-smile-what-we-heard-in-june/) - This month, several dental industry leaders spoke with Becker's about the most pressing issues and trends in the field, including DSO consolidation, cybersecurity threats and medical-dental integration. Read the full story here.
- [Beckers Dental Review: Nearly 24M People Disenrolled From Medicaid: 9 Notes for Dentists](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-nearly-24m-people-disenrolled-from-medicaid-9-notes-for-dentists/) - Recent data from CareQuest shows that about 12 million adults and children lost their dental coverage between April and September of 2023, with an additional two million people estimated to have lost coverage between September and December 2023. Read the full story here.
- [USA Today: Dental Access is an American 'Crisis': Here's How Vulnerable People Are Shut Out.](https://carequest.org/usa-today-dental-access-is-an-american-crisis-heres-how-vulnerable-people-are-shut-out/) - Senator Bernie Sanders told USA TODAY that U.S. dental care is "in crisis" with far too many Americans shut out of the system. Nearly 69 million U.S. adults did not have dental insurance or access to routine oral health care last year, according to the nonprofit CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Read the full story
- [Dentistry IQ: How Do Patients Feel About Extra Screenings? New Data Might Surprise You](https://carequest.org/dentistry-iq-how-do-patients-feel-about-extra-screenings-new-data-might-surprise-you/) - Some patients don't want to be bothered with health care screenings when they're at the dentist, but new data says that's far from the norm. These kinds of screenings are sorely needed to improve health outcomes in the United States. Oral health and heart health may seem unrelated, but recent data from CareQuest reveals those
- [California Dental Association: CDA Supports LGBTQIA+ Oral Health Week With A Commitment To Inclusive Care](https://carequest.org/california-dental-association-cda-supports-lgbtqia-oral-health-week-with-a-commitment-to-inclusive-care/) - Research conducted by CareQuest found that LGBTQ+ individuals were 31% more likely than non-LGBTQ+ individuals to say their most recent dental visit was two or more years ago. Read the full story here.
- [Bite Magazine: New Study Finds Patients With ADHD Are At A Greater Risk Of Poor Oral Health](https://carequest.org/bite-magazine-new-study-finds-patients-with-adhd-are-at-a-greater-risk-of-poor-oral-health/) - According to the study by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health in Boston, 35.5 per cent of participants with ADHD rated their oral health as either fair or poor, with only 24.9 per cent of neurotypical respondents giving the same rating. Read the full story here.
- [Dental Products Report: New Report From The CareQuest Institute For Oral Health Finds Adults With ADHD At Greater Risk For Poor Oral Health](https://carequest.org/dental-products-report-new-report-from-the-carequest-institute-for-oral-health-finds-adults-with-adhd-at-greater-risk-for-poor-oral-health/) - A new report from the CareQuest Institute shows that adults with ADHD are more likely to experience poor oral health, with higher rates of dental anxiety, delayed dental visits, and emergency room visits for dental issues compared to adults without ADHD. Read the full story here.
- [Rolling Stone: RFK Jr. Wants To Get Rid of Fluoride. Here’s What That Means](https://carequest.org/rolling-stone-rfk-jr-wants-to-get-rid-of-fluoride-heres-what-that-means/) - "Removing fluoride from drinking water would also exacerbate existing health disparities — especially for underserved populations who may struggle to access regular dental care, says Melissa Burroughs, public policy director at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a national nonprofit focused on creating an accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system." Read the full story here.
- [Zocalo Public Square: Why Is Accessing Good Dental Care Like Pulling Teeth?](https://carequest.org/zocalo-public-square-why-is-accessing-good-dental-care-like-pulling-teeth/) - According to the CareQuest Institute, a nonprofit aiming to increase equity in dental care, 93% of people living in poverty need dental care they aren’t getting. For many, it’s simply too expensive. Read the full story here.
- [DentistryIQ: New Survey Finds Overwhelming Majority of US Voters Support Medicare Dental Coverage](https://carequest.org/dentistryiq-new-survey-finds-overwhelming-majority-of-us-voters-support-medicare-dental-coverage/) - A new poll by CareQuest Institute and the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN) reveals that, regardless of political orientation, 92% of voters nationwide are in favor of adding dental coverage to Medicare. Read the full story here.
- [Beckers Dental Review: 9 in 10 Voters Support Adding Dental Coverage to Medicare: Poll](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-9-in-10-voters-support-adding-dental-coverage-to-medicare-poll/) - Approximately 50% of all Medicare enrollees do not have dental coverage, and nearly 24 million individuals on Medicare have not visited a dentist within the last 12 months, according to a July 16 news release from CareQuest. Read the full story here.
- [Becker's Hospital Review: 111 Hospital And Health System Chief Diversity, Equity And Inclusion Officers To Know | 2024](https://carequest.org/beckers-hospital-review-111-hospital-and-health-system-chief-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-officers-to-know-2024/) - Kaz Rafia, DDS. Chief Health Equity Officer at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health (Boston). Dr. Rafia is the inaugural chief health equity officer at CareQuest, which he has successfully transitioned into a sustainable and impactful grantmaking institution. In his role, is particularly focused on increasing health equity, Medicare and Medicaid advocacy, safety net clinics and
- [The Seattle Times: The Northwest's 'Dental Care Divide' is Becoming a Crisis](https://carequest.org/the-seattle-times-the-northwests-dental-care-divide-is-becoming-a-crisis/) - "A staggering 68.5 million Americans are estimated to be without dental insurance. The causes and reasons are complex, but the result is an enormous gap in our health care system." Read the full story here.
- [Becker's Dental Review: Number of People Disenrolled from Medicaid Surpasses 20M: 10 Notes for Dentists](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-number-of-people-disenrolled-from-medicaid-surpasses-20m-10-notes-for-dentists/) - The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health warned in April 2023 that more than 14 million adults who are on Medicaid could lose their dental coverage as part of the redetermination process. Read the full story here.
- [Atlanta Black Star: ‘They’ll Love Him In Prison’: Veneer Techs Are Not a Real Thing and Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Let Basement Dentists Play In Your Mouth](https://carequest.org/atlanta-black-star-theyll-love-him-in-prison-veneer-techs-are-not-a-real-thing-and-heres-why-you-shouldnt-let-basement-dentists-play-in-your-mouth/) - In 2019, a reported 68.5 million Americans lack dental insurance. According to the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, families with lower incomes reported cost as a reason for not going to the dentist regularly compared to families with higher incomes. Read the full story here.
- [Washington Post: Biden’s Election-Year Play to Further Expand Obamacare](https://carequest.org/washington-post-bidens-election-year-play-to-further-expand-obamacare/) - An estimated 68.5 million U.S. adults lacked dental insurance in 2023, according to the nonprofit CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. That’s more than 2.5 times the roughly 26 million Americans of all ages who lack health insurance. Read the full story here.
- [The Conversation: Caring for Older Americans’ Teeth and Gums is Essential, but Medicare Generally Doesn’t Cover that Cost](https://carequest.org/the-conversation-caring-for-older-americans-teeth-and-gums-is-essential-but-medicare-generally-doesnt-cover-that-cost/) - "The Biden administration initially considered the addition of comprehensive Medicare dental coverage as part of its proposed Build Back Better legislation, a broad US$1.8 trillion legislative package designed to fix problems ranging from child care costs to climate change, but failed to get enough support in Congress." Read the full story here.
- [The Week: Doctors are Taking on Dental Duties in Low-Income Areas](https://carequest.org/the-week-doctors-are-taking-on-dental-duties-in-low-income-areas/) - "Poor oral health can have far-reaching consequences, not only as a precursor to other physical health issues but as a factor in depression and mental health issues," said Myechia Minter-Jordan, the president and CEO of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Read the full story here.
- [Insight Into Diversity: Rooted in Care RIDE Program Boosts Rural Dental Health](https://carequest.org/insight-into-diversity-rooted-in-care-ride-program-boosts-rural-dental-health/) - "Individuals in rural communities face a number of barriers in accessing oral care, including financial concerns, lack of insurance coverage, shortage of providers, and difficulty accessing transportation services, according to the 2023 report “Still Searching: Meeting Oral Health Needs in Rural Settings” by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a nonprofit organization." Read the full story
- [US News: Where the Presidential Candidates Stand on Retirement](https://carequest.org/us-news-where-the-presidential-candidates-stand-on-retirement/) - “Medicare dental coverage is a critical, but often overlooked, retirement issue,” said Melissa Burroughs, policy director at the Washington-based CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, in an email. “Medicare does not cover dental care, making it unaffordable and out of reach for many Medicare enrollees.” Read the full story here.
- [Savannah Magazine: When Teeth Become Trendy](https://carequest.org/savannah-magazine-when-teeth-become-trendy/) - "For the estimated 68.5 million adults who lack dental insurance in the United States, according to the 2023 State of Oral Health Equity in America survey from CareQuest Institute, that individual care can seem elusive. There are options, though, that are much safer than DIY care." Read the full story here.
- [The Gazette: Bigger Clinic Means More People Can See a Dentist](https://carequest.org/the-gazette-bigger-clinic-means-more-people-can-see-a-dentist/) - "An estimated 91 million adults in America had no dental insurance at the end of 2023, according to the CareQuest Institute of Oral Health. The vast majority are low-income, minorities and older Americans." Read the full story here.
- [MedCity News: The Price We Pay for Poor Oral Health](https://carequest.org/medcity-news-the-price-we-pay-for-poor-oral-health/) - "With high prices discouraging many families from seeking routine dental care, 92% of adults said they have considered delaying dental care due to costs. Research also found that 27% of adults put off dental care because they could not afford it." Read the full story here.
- [MD Linx: Has US Health Care Forgotten Black Mothers?](https://carequest.org/md-linx-has-us-health-care-forgotten-black-mothers/) - "Dr. Minter-Jordan believes that expanding Medicaid could help provide support to Black women. “Medicaid benefits for pregnant people vary widely by state and, in many cases, Medicaid coverage may extend only 60 days postpartum, even though 50% of maternal deaths occur up to a year after giving birth,” she says." Read the full story here.
- [Becker's Dental Review: Number of People Disenrolled from Medicaid Hits 19.2M: 8 Notes for Dentists](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-number-of-people-disenrolled-from-medicaid-hits-19-2m-8-notes-for-dentists/) - "The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health warned in April that more than 14 million adults who are on Medicaid could lose their dental coverage as part of the redetermination process." Read the full story here.
- [Innocence Project: How Poor Oral Health Care in Prison Continues to Burden Wrongfully Convicted People](https://carequest.org/innocence-project-how-poor-oral-health-care-in-prison-continues-to-burden-wrongfully-convicted-people/) - "An estimated 68.5 million adults in the United States lack dental insurance. For those who have experienced incarceration, this financial burden can be insurmountable." Read the full story here.
- [WV News: West Virginia's Expansion of Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits is Win for All](https://carequest.org/wv-news-west-virginias-expansion-of-medicaid-adult-dental-benefits-is-win-for-all/) - Whether you consider it part of your regular health maintenance or a bit of a chore, going to the dentist — and even having access to oral health care — is a crucial indicator of a person’s health. Yet oral health care has consistently been treated by our health system as non-essential and separate from
- [Dental Products Report: Addressing Oral Health Disparities: Grant Proposals Invited by CareQuest Institute](https://carequest.org/dental-products-report-addressing-oral-health-disparities-grant-proposals-invited-by-carequest-institute/) - Access to proper dental care is a problem facing people from various backgrounds and demographics, and that’s why groups like the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® work hard to forge a more inclusive, fair, and interconnected oral health landscape. Read the full story here.
- [Medical Xpress: Minor Dental Restorations Found to Decrease After Implementation of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax](https://carequest.org/medical-xpress-minor-dental-restorations-found-to-decrease-after-implementation-of-sugar-sweetened-beverage-tax/) - The study, by Eric Tranby of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, Boston, MA, U.S., analyzed dental claims data from 2016-2023 for Colorado state residents living in and outside the city of Boulder who received minor restorative care during the study period. Read the full story here.
- [AEGIS Dental Network: New Report Shows How Dental Disparities Impact Veterans’ Productivity and Well-Being](https://carequest.org/aegis-dental-network-new-report-shows-how-dental-disparities-impact-veterans-productivity-and-well-being/) - Veterans across the US face significant challenges in accessing dental care, which influences their overall well-being and productivity, according to a new report by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and the American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH). Read the full story here.
- [Medical Xpress: Examining Family Out-Of-Pocket Expenditure on Dental Care](https://carequest.org/medical-xpress-examining-family-out-of-pocket-expenditure-on-dental-care/) - The study, by Lisa J. Heaton of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, Boston, MA, U.S., utilized 2007-2020 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data and calculated three quantities of interest: [1] probability of at least one dental visit per year by family income quintile, [2] total expenditure for dental care as a proportion of total family income
- [Dentistry IQ: Are Kids Getting More Cavities?](https://carequest.org/dentistry-iq-are-kids-getting-more-cavities/) - "The American Dental Association (ADA) celebrates Children’s Dental Health Month in February. What started in 1941 as a single day morphed into an entire month by 1981. And judging by the stats, that might not be enough. The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health reports that “early childhood caries remains the most common, preventable infectious disease among children
- [Entering the Inspiration Zone: Transforming Health Care and Embracing Health Equity with Myechia Minter-Jordan](https://carequest.org/entering-the-inspiration-zone-transforming-health-care-and-embracing-health-equity-with-myechia-minter-jordan/) - In this captivating episode, Myechia Minter-Jordan, President and CEO of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, opens up about the interconnectedness of oral health and overall wellness and shines a light on the communities often overlooked in the healthcare system. Listen to the full episode here.
- [BBC: A Tooth Examination Can Be Terrifying for Victims of Rape and Assault. These Dentists Want to Help Them](https://carequest.org/bbc-a-tooth-examination-can-be-terrifying-for-victims-of-rape-and-assault-these-dentists-want-to-help-them/) - "In the US, TACHC worked with the non-profit CareQuest Institute for Oral Health to create an online course for dental professionals on trauma-informed oral healthcare. This was made available in April 2023." Read the full story here.
- [Dentistry IQ: The High Cost of Dental-Related Lost Productivity](https://carequest.org/dentistry-iq-the-high-cost-of-dental-related-lost-productivity/) - "US adults lose some 243 million hours of productivity annually to oral health issues, with those with lower-paying and hourly jobs more likely to lose more work hours due to either their own or someone else’s unplanned dental visit. Among the key findings in a new report by CareQuest Institute on lost productivity and dental
- [Kansas Reflector: Expansion of Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits in Kansas a Win For All](https://carequest.org/kansas-reflector-expansion-of-medicaid-adult-dental-benefits-in-kansas-a-win-for-all/) - "Kansas joins several states nationwide in taking crucial steps toward increasing access to oral health care. According to CareQuest Institute for Oral Health’s recently updated Medicaid Adult Dental Coverage Checker, which highlights the progress advocates and policymakers have made to strengthen adult dental coverage in the past few years, eight states now offer extensive Medicaid adult dental benefits." Read
- [The Hill: It’s Time For Health Care Policy to Prioritize Oral Health Equity](https://carequest.org/the-hill-its-time-for-health-care-policy-to-prioritize-oral-health-equity/) - "Access to oral health should not be a luxury reserved only for some. It is a fundamental right that must be extended to every American, regardless of their background or zip code," says Representative Nanette Barragán (D-CA). Barragán recently sat down with Myechia Minter-Jordan, president and CEO of CareQuest Institute, for Chew on This, a livestream
- [The Herald Journal Column: Utah’s Significant Expansion of Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits is a Win For All](https://carequest.org/the-herald-journal-column-utahs-significant-expansion-of-medicaid-adult-dental-benefits-is-a-win-for-all/) - "Utah joins several states nationwide in taking crucial steps toward increasing access to oral health care. According to CareQuest Institute for Oral Health’s recently updated Medicaid Adult Dental Coverage Checker, which highlights the progress advocates and policymakers have made to expand adult dental benefits in the past few years, eight states now offer an extensive
- [Inside Dentistry: Quality Oral Health For The LGBTQ+ Population](https://carequest.org/inside-dentistry-quality-oral-health-for-the-lgbtq-population/) - "Oral health is a fundamental component of overall well-being; however, disparities persist among marginalized populations, including the LGBTQ+ community. Many LGBTQ+ individuals face health disparities linked to societal stigma and discrimination that equate to a denial of their civil and human rights." Read the full article here.
- [Spectrum News 13: Oral Health Disparities Impact Latinos at Larger Rates](https://carequest.org/spectrum-news-13-oral-health-disparities-impact-latinos-at-larger-rates/) - "In a study analyzing oral health disparities among Latino residents in the United States, the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health found Latino communities to be more vulnerable when obtaining proper dental services. The study’s findings have raised major concerns among Latino doctors who argue the gaps in accessing oral health care for Hispanics can be diminished
- [Journal Hispanic Dental Association: The Connection Between Women's Oral Health and Cancer](https://carequest.org/journal-hispanic-dental-association-the-connection-between-womens-oral-health-and-cancer/) - “Despite evidence establishing a profound link between oral health and the pathogenesis of systemic diseases, there is a surprising lack of research regarding its impact on women's health,” writes Josefine Ortiz Wolfe, PhD, MPH, RDH, education specialist at CareQuest Institute in an article published by the Journal Hispanic Dental Association. Wolfe and a group of co-authors explain
- [USA Today: Number of Native American Dental Program Applicants Plummets as Community Faces Oral Health Crisis](https://carequest.org/usa-today-number-of-native-american-dental-program-applicants-plummets-as-community-faces-oral-health-crisis/) - The shortage was cited in a report released earlier this year describing the “disproportionate burden” of oral health disease faced by American Indians and Native Alaskans in the U.S. from childhood onward, a crisis it said was rooted in structural racism and exacerbated by a lack of access to healthy food and stable housing. The report was compiled
- [NBC News: Millions Expected to Lose Dental Care Coverage After Medicaid Review](https://carequest.org/nbc-news-millions-expected-to-lose-dental-care-coverage-after-medicaid-review/) - An issue that few have identified, however, is that about 14.2 million people, or 28% of adults currently enrolled in Medicaid, will also lose their dental health coverage, according to the data compiled by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a think tank dedicated to oral health in the country. Read the full article here.
- [New York Times: Why Oral Hygiene Is Crucial to Your Overall Health](https://carequest.org/new-york-times-why-oral-hygiene-is-crucial-to-your-overall-health/) - In another study, published in April, scientists found that diabetics who were treated for periodontal disease saw their overall health care costs decrease by 12 to 14 percent. Read the full article here.
- [USA Today: American Indian, Alaska Native Communities Face 'Disproportionate Burden' of Poor Oral Health](https://carequest.org/usa-today-american-indian-alaska-native-communities-face-disproportionate-burden-of-poor-oral-health/) - American Indians and Native Alaskans face a “disproportionate burden” of oral health disease in the U.S. from childhood onward, a crisis with roots in structural racism and exacerbated by lack of access to healthy food and housing stability, a joint research effort has found. The situation was outlined in a report compiled by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a nonprofit group based
- [AP News: Many States are Expanding Their Medicaid Programs to Provide Dental Care to Their Poorest Residents](https://carequest.org/ap-news-many-states-are-expanding-their-medicaid-programs-to-provide-dental-care-to-their-poorest-residents/) - "All states provide some Medicaid dental benefits for adults, but some limit it to only specific segments of the population, like pregnant women or those who have intellectual disabilities, or cover only emergency care, according to CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a nonprofit that advocates for expanded dental care." Read the full story here.
- [What Does LinkedIn Think About . . .](https://carequest.org/what-does-linkedin-think-about-2/) - We feel fortunate to have nearly 28,000 CareQuest Institute for Oral Health LinkedIn followers. And because our mission is to improve the oral health of all, we have a wide range of followers — everyone from dentists, dental hygienists, and students to policymakers, researchers, and countless stakeholders who want to see a better oral health system. To
- [Washington Examiner: Dismal failures In Healthcare System Make The US An Unsuccessful Nation, Report Says](https://carequest.org/washington-examiner-dismal-failures-in-healthcare-system-make-the-us-an-unsuccessful-nation-report-says/) - “Shifting toward value-based care, in which providers are rewarded for quality care and health outcomes, rather than the quantity of care delivered, will incentivize prevention and personalization in care,” said Melissa Burroughs, public policy director at Boston-based CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Read the full story here.
- [Scientific American: Fluoride In Drinking Water Is Safe. Here’s The Evidence](https://carequest.org/scientific-american-fluoride-in-drinking-water-is-safe-heres-the-evidence/) - "Today at least 68.5 million Americans lack dental insurance, according to a 2023 survey by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Having multiple fluoride sources offers peoples’ teeth much needed protection, says Susan Fisher-Owens, a University of California, San Francisco, Medical Center pediatrician, who studies barriers to children’s dental health." Read the full story here.
- [Newsday: NYS Bill Seeks to Expand Access To Dentistry By Licensing Dental Therapists](https://carequest.org/newsday-nys-bill-seeks-to-expand-access-to-dentistry-by-licensing-dental-therapists/) - "An estimated 68.5 million adults go without dental insurance, according to the 2023 State of Oral Health Equity in America survey by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health." Read the full story here.
- [STAT: Dental Care Is Increasingly Under Threat in the US](https://carequest.org/stat-dental-care-is-increasingly-under-threat-in-the-us-2/) - "The removal of access to fluoride, coupled with Congress’s cuts to Medicaid, will strip away vital protections for those most at risk." In this article from STAT, CareQuest Institute Senior Director of Public Policy Melissa Burroughs is calling on the administration to take three critical steps to reverse the oral health crisis in the US. Read
- [Public News Service: Medicaid expansion critical for ensuring WV dental care access](https://carequest.org/public-news-service-medicaid-expansion-critical-for-ensuring-wv-dental-care-access/) - "According to the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, in 2021, the nation's poorest households paid more than seven times more for dental care than higher-income and insured households." Read the full story here.
- [Word In Black: Here’s What Docs Appointments You Need To Make In 2025](https://carequest.org/word-in-black-heres-what-docs-appointments-you-need-to-make-in-2025/) - Melissa Burroughs, public policy director at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, says poor oral health can increase the chances of depression and mental health issues. Moreover, Black adults are 68% more likely than white adults to have an unmet dental need, according to CareQuest Institute research. Read the full story here.
- [ABC10: What a Potential Federal Funding Freeze Could Mean for Medi-Cal's Dental Recipients](https://carequest.org/abc10-what-a-potential-federal-funding-freeze-could-mean-for-medi-cals-dental-recipients/) - California health advocates are expressing concerns over the Trump administration's proposed federal funding freeze, which could significantly impact California's Medicaid dental services. In this article in ABC10, Melissa Burroughs, CareQuest Institute Director of Public Policy, shares how any disruption of the state's Medicaid program could reverse recent improvements in dental care access, leaving vulnerable populations
- [Fortune: Original Medicare Doesn’t Cover most Dental Work, but There Are 4 Other Ways to Get Coverage](https://carequest.org/fortune-original-medicare-doesnt-cover-most-dental-work-but-there-are-4-other-ways-to-get-coverage/) - Two common misconceptions about Medicare are that it doesn’t cover dental care and that beneficiaries need to pay all dental expenses out of pocket, which could explain why most older adults have gum disease. Roughly half of people with Medicare haven’t had a dental visit in a year, according to the KFF health policy research
- [Becker’s Dental Review: Oral Health Care Under Trump: The Policies that Could Transform Dental Care](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-oral-health-care-under-trump-the-policies-that-could-transform-dental-care/) - As President Donald Trump gets settled into his second term, many industry leaders are wondering which policy changes could affect oral healthcare in the US. Melissa Burroughs, director of public policy at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, spoke with Becker's Healthcare to discuss the policies needed to improve oral care in the US under the
- [Becker’s Dental Review: Dental Leaders Sound the Alarm on Potential Medicaid Cuts](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-dental-leaders-sound-the-alarm-on-potential-medicaid-cuts/) - CareQuest Institute is raising concerns about potential Medicaid cuts that could impact millions of patients and dental providers. Reduced Medicaid funding may lead to limited access to care, lower reimbursement rates, and increased strain on dental practices. Read the full story here.
- [The Santa Clarita Valley Signal: The Rise in Dental Injuries and Why It Is Sometimes Best to Visit a Dentist for Treatment, Instead of an Emergency Room](https://carequest.org/the-santa-clarita-valley-signal-the-rise-in-dental-injuries-and-why-it-is-sometimes-best-to-visit-a-dentist-for-treatment-instead-of-an-emergency-room/) - In recent years, there has been a notable increase in dental injuries, leading many to seek care in hospital emergency departments (EDs). However, for most dental issues, consulting a dentist is more effective and beneficial than visiting an ED. A 2022 report by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health highlighted that in 2019 there were approximately
- [Oral Health: Florida Lawmakers Push Three-Year Dental Certification to Ease Dentist Shortage](https://carequest.org/oral-health-florida-lawmakers-push-three-year-dental-certification-to-ease-dentist-shortage/) - The lack of access to dental care in Florida is reflected in alarming statistics. A 2023 report by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health found that children in Florida aged 14 and younger seek dental care through emergency departments for non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDC) at one of the highest rates in the country. The report also
- [Oral Health: Value-Based Care and the Value of Dental Hygienists: A Paradigm Shift Toward Better Outcomes](https://carequest.org/oral-health-value-based-care-and-the-value-of-dental-hygienists-a-paradigm-shift-toward-better-outcomes/) - In this article from Oral Health, CareQuest Institute Value-Based Care Program Manager Danielle Apostolon dives into what value-based care (VBC) is, what VBC looks like in oral health, and what it looks like in practice. Apostolon also explains why dental hygienists are well-positioned to lead the shift to VBC in dental practices. Read the full story
- [Axios: Medicaid Cuts Put Adult Dental Care On the Chopping Block](https://carequest.org/axios-medicaid-cuts-put-adult-dental-care-on-the-chopping-block/) - A new article in Axios explains how dental care for millions of people in the US could be one of the first casualties if the federal Medicaid budget is cut by $880 billion. Fluoridated water could be on the chopping block in many communities, too. Melissa Burroughs, CareQuest Institute Public Policy Director, explains how these two policy
- [The Islands’ Sounder: Everyone Deserves Dental Care](https://carequest.org/the-islands-sounder-everyone-deserves-dental-care/) - A new article in The Islands’ Sounder highlights Jessica Dubek, DDS, the founder of DentALL, who travels around Western Washington providing free dental services. Dubek and her team are now operating the Community Dental Clinic on Orcas Island. The Orcas Island Community Foundation launched a community dental program in 2012 after learning that dental care was the
- [The Burleson Box Podcast: Dr. Erinne Kennedy on Managing Burnout, Preventive Care, and Leadership in Dentistry](https://carequest.org/the-burleson-box-podcast-dr-erinne-kennedy-on-managing-burnout-preventive-care-and-leadership-in-dentistry/) - In this episode of The Burleson Box, Dustin Burleson, DDS, welcomes Erinne Kennedy, DMD, MPH, MMSc, Assistant Dean for Curriculum and Integrated Learning at Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine. Kennedy shares her fascinating journey into dentistry, which was heavily influenced by her family of dental professionals and her passion for public health. A significant
- [The Patient Experience Blueprint Podcast: The Power of Preventive Care: Value-Based Dentistry with Danielle Apostolon](https://carequest.org/the-patient-experience-blueprint-podcast-the-power-of-preventive-care-value-based-dentistry-with-danielle-apostolon/) - Danielle Apostolon, Program Manager, Value-Based Care at CareQuest Institute, explains the shift toward value-based care (VBC) in dentistry in this episode of The Patient Experience Blueprint Podcast. She explains how this VBC model prioritizes quality outcomes over the quantity of services, and how dental practices can adopt this approach to improve patient care and satisfaction. Apostolon
- [Decisions in Dentistry: How a Pilot Program Is Transforming Dental Care for Patients with Disabilities](https://carequest.org/decisions-in-dentistry-how-a-pilot-program-is-transforming-dental-care-for-patients-with-disabilities/) - For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, a trip to the dental office can be overwhelming. A new pilot program at Tufts Dental Facilities, a grantee of CareQuest Institute, is breaking barriers with home visits and telehealth, making dental care more accessible and personalized. Read the full story here.
- [Flintside: Doctors Expand Dental Care Access for Veterans in Need](https://carequest.org/flintside-doctors-expand-dental-care-access-for-veterans-in-need/) - Two advocates for veteran care in Michigan are tackling the critical gap in veterans’ dental care, offering free clinics through grants and sustainable community programs. A 2022 report from the American Institute of Dental Public Health and CareQuest Institute highlights the disparities rural veterans face in accessing dental care. Read the full story here.
- [New York Post: I’m a Harvard-Educated Doctor — This Bad Nightly Habit Can Increase Your Risk of Heart Disease](https://carequest.org/new-york-post-im-a-harvard-educated-doctor-this-bad-nightly-habit-can-increase-your-risk-of-heart-disease/) - While poor oral hygiene is often linked to issues like tooth loss, gum disease and bad breath, experts warn it can also have a far-reaching impact on your entire well-being — including your heart. In this article in the New York Post, experts explain the connection between oral health and heart disease, including a report from
- [Becker’s Dental Review: ‘Catastrophe’: Dental Leaders React to Shutdown of CDC Oral Health Division](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-catastrophe-dental-leaders-react-to-shutdown-of-cdc-oral-health-division/) - The recent dismantling of the CDC Division of Oral Health has sent shockwaves through the dental community, raising concerns about the future of dental public health efforts and the prioritization of oral health at the federal level. Our Senior Director of Public Policy, Melissa Burroughs, and other industry leaders gave their reactions in Becker's Dental
- [KSHB-TV: ‘We fight tooth and nail,’ Lee's Summit Dentist Restores Smiles for Veterans for Free](https://carequest.org/kshb-tv-we-fight-tooth-and-nail-lees-summit-dentist-restores-smiles-for-veterans-for-free-2/) - A Missouri dentist is working to restore smiles to veterans for free. In a new article, featuring stats from a CareQuest report, he emphasizes the importance of veteran oral health. Watch news clip and read the full story here.
- [Newstrail: Can Dental Insurance Plans Bridge the Gap in Oral Health Care Accessibility?](https://carequest.org/newstrail-can-dental-insurance-plans-bridge-the-gap-in-oral-health-care-accessibility-2/) - According to CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, in 2023 nearly 68.5 million adults in the US lacked dental insurance. Based on the organization's State of Oral Health Equity in America survey, these projections may further surge by the end of 2023 because of the loss of coverage from other household members and the process of
- [Health Affairs: All Veterans Deserve Comprehensive Dental Care](https://carequest.org/health-affairs-all-veterans-deserve-comprehensive-dental-care-2/) - Of the more than nine million veterans who are eligible for medical care through the VHA, approximately 1.8 million are also eligible for dental care. Among veterans eligible for dental care, a third use that benefit annually—inclusive of the community care network (CCN). The CCN is a private network of VA-affiliated providers available to eligible
- [Becker’s Dental Review: Dental Groups Stand Firm on Fluoride as Federal Threats Loom: 'Our nation is at risk'](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-dental-groups-stand-firm-on-fluoride-as-federal-threats-loom-our-nation-is-at-risk-2/) - Dental organizations, including CareQuest Institute, are continuing to back community water fluoridation as the future of this practice comes under threat at the federal level. Read the full story here.
- [Fierce Healthcare: House E&C Advances Medicaid Overhaul after Marathon Session](https://carequest.org/fierce-healthcare-house-ec-advances-medicaid-overhaul-after-marathon-session-2/) - As state budgets face severe impacts, CareQuest Institute is deeply concerned that optional dental benefits will be the first services cut. Oral health is crucial for overall well-being, and cutting these benefits would be a significant setback. Read more about the ongoing discussions in DC ahead of the Medicaid markup hearing in Fierce Healthcare.
- [Becker’s Dental Review: Federal Funding Uncertainties: Can Dentistry Do More with Less?](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-federal-funding-uncertainties-can-dentistry-do-more-with-less-2/) - As federal funding for health care faces growing uncertainty, dental leaders are raising a critical question: How will shifting policies impact access and care delivery? Becker’s Dental & DSO Review breaks down the latest developments with our Senior Director of Public Policy, Melissa Burroughs, and what they mean for dental practices nationwide. From Medicaid to workforce
- [TIME: America’s Dental Health Is in Trouble](https://carequest.org/time-americas-dental-health-is-in-trouble-2/) - A powerful TIME investigation exposes how misinformation, policy rollbacks, and systemic neglect are leaving millions without access to basic dental care. The most vulnerable communities are paying the price as fluoride is removed from water systems and Medicaid benefits are at risk. CareQuest Institute is calling for urgent action to treat oral health as essential to overall
- [WLUC: Houghton VetFest Highlights Need for Improved Veteran Dental Care](https://carequest.org/wluc-houghton-vetfest-highlights-need-for-improved-veteran-dental-care-2/) - The hundreds of veterans who visited Houghton’s annual VetFest on June 11 may have noticed something new. The Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center set up its mobile dental unit to provide free oral cancer screenings and referrals to veterans. Watch news clip and read full article here.
- [WUSF: Many Florida kids face barriers to dental care. Will a fluoride ban heighten their risk of harm?](https://carequest.org/wusf-many-florida-kids-face-barriers-to-dental-care-will-a-fluoride-ban-heighten-their-risk-of-harm-2/) - Access is especially tough for kids in rural areas or whose families don't have a lot of money. Some dentists say a new statewide ban on adding fluoride to drinking water affects these communities the most. Watch news clip and read full article.
- [Medical News Today: Causes of Dental Pain during Pregnancy and How to Treat It](https://carequest.org/medical-news-today-causes-of-dental-pain-during-pregnancy-and-how-to-treat-it-2/) - Dental pain is a common concern during pregnancy. A person may develop dental pain during pregnancy because of pregnancy-related changes or because of pre-existing dental health issues. Read the full article here.
- [Dr. Bicuspid: Over 25% of US Adults Don’t Have Dental Insurance](https://carequest.org/dr-bicuspid-over-25-of-us-adults-dont-have-dental-insurance-2/) - In the US, approximately 27% of adults, or about 72 million people, do not have dental insurance. This lack of coverage may contribute to worsening overall health, according to a report released by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Read the full article here.
- [Decisions in Dentistry: Dental Insurance Gap Widens Across the United States](https://carequest.org/decisions-in-dentistry-dental-insurance-gap-widens-across-the-united-states-2/) - According to CareQuest Institute for Oral Health’s 2024 State of Oral Health Equity in America (SOHEA) survey, an alarming 27% of US adults, roughly 72 million people, do not have dental insurance. This figure stands in stark contrast to the 9.5% of adults without health insurance, highlighting a persistent and growing coverage gap that jeopardizes
- [Secrets of Rockstar CFOs: CFO Career Paths: Finding Your Value and Embracing the Journey with Denise W. Marks](https://carequest.org/secrets-of-rockstar-cfos-cfo-career-paths-finding-your-value-and-embracing-the-journey-with-denise-w-marks-2/) - There are many ways to add value and have an amazing career as a CFO. In this episode, Denise W. Marks, CFO of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, shares her insights on navigating a successful career path in finance. Denise discusses the importance of embracing diverse opportunities, not being afraid to ask for help,
- [Rolling Stone: RFK Jr. Says He’s Fine with Giving Americans ‘More Cavities’](https://carequest.org/rolling-stone-rfk-jr-says-hes-fine-with-giving-americans-more-cavities-2/) - As RFK Jr. questions federal fluoride policy, public health experts like Melissa Burroughs, Senior Director of Public Policy at CareQuest Institute, are weighing in on what it could mean for children’s dental health. Read the full story here.
- [Becker's Dental Review: 'Those Practices Need a Plan': Dentists Brace for Impact of Federal Budget](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-those-practices-need-a-plan-dentists-brace-for-impact-of-federal-budget-2/) - Dental industry leaders are preparing for what may be some harsh consequences of the recently enacted federal budget bill. Melissa Burroughs, the Senior Director of Public Policy for the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, called the bill’s passage a “dangerous setback,” adding that several provisions of the bill will make it more difficult for individuals
- [Listening In (With Permission): Oral Health is Healthcare with Caroline McLeod](https://carequest.org/listening-in-with-permission-oral-health-is-healthcare-with-caroline-mcleod/) - In this episode of Listening In (With Permission), Andréa Caballero of Catalyst for Payment Reform sits down with Caroline McLeod, a practicing dental clinician and leader at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, for a deep dive into the overlooked world of oral healthcare—exploring why it’s far more than just teeth, and why health leaders need
- [Next Avenue: Medicare Mystery](https://carequest.org/next-avenue-medicare-mystery-2/) - Traditional Medicare still does not cover dental care — despite the fact that most people support expanding coverage and oral health problems increase as we age. In this Next Avenue article, learn what we can do to address this shortcoming. Read the full story here.
- [Dentistry IQ: Are fluoride bans going to escalate the country’s dental health crisis?](https://carequest.org/dentistry-iq-are-fluoride-bans-going-to-escalate-the-countrys-dental-health-crisis/) - With fluoride bans gaining traction in states like Utah and Florida, the US may be heading into a deeper dental health crisis. Learn how legislative changes, misinformation, and rising out-of-pocket costs are compounding barriers to care—especially for low-income families. A 2025 dental health report by ValuePenguin found that more than one in three adults in
- [Dentistry Today: New Interactive Map Designed to Streamline Licensure Guidance for Dental Hygienists](https://carequest.org/dentistry-today-new-interactive-map-designed-to-streamline-licensure-guidance-for-dental-hygienists/) - This week the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) and CareQuest Institute for Oral Health announced the launch of the Dental Hygienist Licensure Map, an interactive resource that provides state-by-state licensure information for dental hygienists across the United States. The tool consolidates previously scattered information into one accessible platform, serving the professional needs of more than
- [Becker’s Hospital Review: Matt Steele, Director of State and Local Advocacy at CareQuest](https://carequest.org/beckers-hospital-review-matt-steele-director-of-state-and-local-advocacy-at-carequest/) - In this episode, Matt Steele, Director of State and Local Advocacy at CareQuest, discusses the impact of upcoming Medicaid changes, the importance of community water fluoridation, and strategies for ensuring vulnerable populations maintain access to essential dental care. Listen to this episode here.
- [WOUB-TV: How pediatricians are helping more kids get dental care in Ohio](https://carequest.org/woub-tv-how-pediatricians-are-helping-more-kids-get-dental-care-in-ohio/) - Ohio kids on Medicaid are nearly twice as likely as kids nationwide to go to the emergency department for preventable dental issues, like cavities or tooth decay. The problem is especially acute in rural and poor parts of the state, where dentist shortages make it harder for children to get regular care. To address that
- [DentistryIQ: New study projects economic and oral health effects of fluoride removal](https://carequest.org/dentistryiq-new-study-projects-economic-and-oral-health-effects-of-fluoride-removal/) - A new study coauthored by ADA President Dr. Brett Kessler warns that ending community water fluoridation in the US could trigger a nationwide oral health crisis—costing billions and disproportionately harming low-income children. Findings from a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) coauthored by ADA president Brett Kessler, DDS, and Scott D.
- [HealthCentral: Why Oral Health Is Critical to Managing Your Chronic Disease](https://carequest.org/healthcentral-why-oral-health-is-critical-to-managing-your-chronic-disease/) - The state of your gums and teeth can impact your risk for various health conditions—and vice-versa. Here’s how to protect yourself. Our oral health care is under attack. Whether it’s bans on fluoride in public water, cuts to Medicaid, or the elimination of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s entire Division of Oral Health,
- [New National Nonprofit Will Battle Inequity in Health Care](https://carequest.org/new-national-nonprofit-will-battle-inequity-in-health-care/) - The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health will champion health transformation to build a future in which better health through oral health is possible for everyone. Amidst a national reckoning on the deep inequities that exist across this country, a new national nonprofit organization launches today with a commitment to creating a health system that is
- [Major National Survey Reveals Impending Spike in Oral Health Needs](https://carequest.org/major-national-survey-reveals-impending-spike-in-oral-health-needs/) - CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, survey finds 6 million people have lost oral health coverage because of COVID-19 pandemic. Uncovering a potential surge in upcoming health needs, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health today released the first in a series of reports that will provide in-depth analysis of the results of a comprehensive national survey aimed at understanding
- [CareQuest Institute Commends CDC For Declaring Racism A Public Health “Epidemic”](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-commends-cdc-for-declaring-racism-a-public-health-epidemic/) - Statement from Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan: “We cannot truly address disparities in health care without addressing systemic racism that underlies it all.” On April 8, Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky issued a statement declaring racism an “epidemic” that is impacting public health. Today, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health CEO and President Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan issued the following statement commending Dr. Walensky for her comments. Dr. Minter-Jordan, also a physician and former
- [COVID-19 Pandemic Disproportionately Impacting Access to Health Care for Asian Americans](https://carequest.org/covid-19-pandemic-disproportionately-impacting-access-to-health-care-for-asian-americans/) - National survey finds alarming rates of insurance coverage loss and denial of care among Asian Americans. Amidst the rise in hate and violence against Asian Americans during the pandemic, a new analysis by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health reveals that the COVID-19 public health crisis has disproportionately impacted health access and increased health disparities among
- [CareQuest Institute for Oral Health Commends U.S. Senators’ Push to Include Medicare Dental Coverage in American Families Plan](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-for-oral-health-commends-u-s-senators-push-to-include-medicare-dental-coverage-in-american-families-plan/) - Statement from Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan: “Dental care is essential health care. If we value the lives of seniors and people with disabilities, there is no question that we must strengthen Medicare coverage to include oral health care.” On April 25, seventeen United States Senators sent a letter to President Biden, calling on the president to strengthen
- [New Report Outlines Dramatic Reduction in Access to Primary Care – Including Oral Health Care – During Pandemic](https://carequest.org/new-report-outlines-dramatic-reduction-in-access-to-primary-care-including-oral-health-care-during-pandemic/) - Harvard Center for Primary Care, CareQuest Institute, Milbank Memorial Fund support expert analyses of COVID-19 impacts to identify opportunities for future of primary care. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reduced access to primary care worldwide, including oral health care, especially for those who were already disproportionately at risk for COVID-19, according to a new report released today. The Harvard Center for
- [Dentists Can Play Key Role in Administering Potential COVID-19 Booster Shots](https://carequest.org/dentists-can-play-key-role-in-administering-potential-covid-19-booster-shots/) - National CareQuest Institute survey shows half of dentists offering or would offer COVID-19 vaccines. Oral health providers across the country stand poised to be a critical access point for any additional “booster” shot that may be required to ensure continued immunity against COVID-19, according to a report released by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. The
- [CareQuest Institute Commends Congressional Legislation to Provide Oral Health Care Benefit in Medicare](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-commends-congressional-legislation-to-provide-oral-health-care-benefit-in-medicare/) - Statement from President and CEO, Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan: “Dental care is essential health care . . . If we value the lives of seniors and people with disabilities, we must strengthen Medicare coverage to include dental benefits.” Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Chair of the House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee, unveiled legislation that would strengthen the
- [National Survey Finds Broad, Bipartisan Support for Medicare Dental Coverage](https://carequest.org/national-survey-finds-broad-bipartisan-support-for-medicare-dental-coverage/) - A new survey shows eight in 10 voters favor adding dental coverage to Medicare. Support is even higher in 2022 Senate battleground states. Americans across the political spectrum are ready for Medicare dental coverage. A new YouGov survey found an overwhelming majority of likely midterm voters – including 82% of voters in 2022 Senate battleground
- [Statewide Survey Finds Broad, Bipartisan Support for Medicare Dental Coverage in West Virginia](https://carequest.org/statewide-survey-finds-broad-bipartisan-support-for-medicare-dental-coverage-in-west-virginia/) - A new survey shows more than three-quarters of West Virginia voters favor adding dental coverage to Medicare. West Virginians across the political spectrum are ready for Medicare dental coverage. A new YouGov survey found that an overwhelming majority of likely midterm voters in West Virginia – including 73% of conservative voters – favor adding dental
- [Dentists Are Well Positioned to Administer COVID-19 Booster Shots](https://carequest.org/dentists-are-well-positioned-to-administer-covid-19-booster-shots/) - National CareQuest Institute survey shows half of dentists offering or would offer COVID-19 vaccines. Oral health providers across the country stand poised to be a critical access point for care as the Biden administration announced yesterday the US will begin offering COVID-19 booster shots in September. A recently released report by CareQuest Institute for Oral
- [Statewide Survey Finds Broad, Bipartisan Support for Medicare Dental Coverage in Arizona](https://carequest.org/statewide-survey-finds-broad-bipartisan-support-for-medicare-dental-coverage-in-arizona/) - A new survey shows more than three-quarters of Arizona voters favor adding dental coverage to Medicare. Arizonans across the political spectrum are ready for Medicare dental coverage. A new YouGov survey found that an overwhelming majority of likely midterm voters in Arizona – including 56% of conservative voters and 93% of liberal voters – favor
- [CareQuest Institute and the American Institute of Dental Public Health Partner to Advance Veteran Oral Health](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-and-the-american-institute-of-dental-public-health-partner-to-advance-veteran-oral-health/) - New Collaboration Will Focus on Data-Driven Recommendations and Oral Health Access for Veterans. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and the American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH) have entered into a new partnership that will explore solutions to veteran oral health care, increase accessibility to care, and stimulate rural oral health innovation. Veterans are more likely
- [CareQuest Institute Commends WHO For Adding Three Minimally Invasive Oral Health Care Medicines](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-commends-who-for-adding-three-minimally-invasive-oral-health-care-medicines/) - The World Health Organization (WHO) published the new edition of its Model Lists of Essential Medicines (EML) and Essential Medicines for Children on Oct. 1, 2021, in which it recommended the establishment of a new section for children and adult dental preparation. The WHO's Expert Committee added three new oral health medicines — fluoride toothpaste, silver
- [CareQuest Institute Applauds Federal Law Strengthening Medicaid Coverage for Pregnant People, Urges States to Act Quickly to Adopt This Pathway](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-applauds-federal-law-strengthening-medicaid-coverage-for-pregnant-people-urges-states-to-act-quickly-to-adopt-this-pathway/) - Effective Today, States can Extend Medicaid Coverage for Pregnant People from 60 Days to 1 Year Postpartum. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® – a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system – commended the strengthening of Medicaid coverage for pregnant people under the American Rescue Plan Act
- [CareQuest Institute Hires Kaz Rafia as Chief Health Equity Officer](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-hires-kaz-rafia-as-chief-health-equity-officer/) - Rafia Will Lead Strategic Initiatives to Advance Access to Integrated Oral Health Care for Ethnically and Socially Diverse Communities. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® — a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system — today announced that Kaz Rafia, DDS, MBA, MPH, has been named as the
- [New CPT Code Empowers Medical Professionals to Apply Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) to Treat Cavities](https://carequest.org/new-cpt-code-empowers-medical-professionals-to-apply-silver-diamine-fluoride-sdf-to-treat-cavities/) - This is a major milestone in advancing an integrated approach to oral health equity and expanding access to person-centered care. Last month, the American Medical Association (AMA) approved a new category III CPT code for the application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) by medical teams to arrest dental decay without a dental filling. The addition of
- [CareQuest Institute Applauds President’s State of the Union Call to Strengthen Medicaid](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-applauds-presidents-state-of-the-union-call-to-strengthen-medicaid/) - National Nonprofit Also Commends Biden’s Commitment to Improving Access and Care in Medicare. Following the Presidential State of the Union Address, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, commended President Joe Biden’s commitment to expanding Medicaid coverage and improving access and
- [CareQuest Institute Requests Grant Proposals Focused On Care Transformation](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-requests-grant-proposals-focused-on-care-transformation/) - Submissions Should Include Proposals for How Community Organizations Can Expand Their Care Delivery. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, has launched a request for proposals (RFP) to fund projects and partners geared toward health care transformation. Applicants will likely be community organizations
- [Leslie Carver Joins CareQuest Institute as Chief Operating Officer](https://carequest.org/leslie-carver-joins-carequest-institute-as-chief-operating-officer/) - Carver Will Lead Critical Strategy, Integration, and Operational Efforts Across the Organization’s Full Portfolio. Today, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® announced that Leslie Carver, MHA, has joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer. With over 30 years of health care industry experience, Carver will leverage her leadership and expertise to create the operational rigor necessary to
- [Dental Danger: CareQuest Institute Warns About At-Home Dental Remedies](https://carequest.org/dental-danger-carequest-institute-warns-about-at-home-dental-remedies/) - Lack of Access to Routine Dental Care Leads to Dangerous Home Remedies. As the use of dangerous at-home health remedies continues to gain traction on social media, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, is warning people about the dangers of
- [New White Paper Explores the Health Disparities Hispanic Communities Face in the US](https://carequest.org/new-white-paper-explores-the-health-disparities-hispanic-communities-face-in-the-us/) - Authors Offer Recommendations to Address Dental Needs, Utilization of Dental Services, and Workforce in Hispanic Communities. The Hispanic Dental Association (HDA) and CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® recently released a comprehensive white paper on oral health disparities in Hispanic communities. “Addressing the Oral Health Needs of Hispanics in the US” identifies several key policies that can improve oral health and
- [New Report: Discrimination and Socioeconomic Factors Contribute to Persistent Oral Health Disparities in US](https://carequest.org/new-report-discrimination-and-socioeconomic-factors-contribute-to-persistent-oral-health-disparities-in-us/) - CareQuest Institute Survey Reveals Income, Race, and Ethnicity Directly Tied to Dental Access. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, released new data showing that discrimination and socioeconomic factors are leading contributors to persistent oral health disparities in the US. The survey revealed
- [New Report Shows How Dental Disparities Impact Veterans’ Productivity and Well-Being](https://carequest.org/new-report-shows-how-dental-disparities-impact-veterans-productivity-and-well-being/) - Report Highlights Barriers Veterans Face Accessing Dental Care, Including 85% Who Are Ineligible for Dental Coverage or Care. Veterans across the US face significant challenges in accessing dental care, which influences their overall well-being and productivity, according to a new report by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and the American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH).
- [New Report: Lower-Income Families Spend Seven Times More on Dental Care Than Wealthier Families](https://carequest.org/new-report-lower-income-families-spend-seven-times-more-on-dental-care-than-wealthier-families/) - A New CareQuest Institute Report Reveals Deep, Income-Based Health Disparities. Revealing deep health disparities based on income, a new CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® report shows that poorer families paid 7.4 times more in out-of-pocket expenditures for dental care compared to high-income families between 2007 and 2021. At the same time, families living in poverty and
- [New Interactive Map Streamlines Licensure Guidance for Dental Hygienists Nationwide](https://carequest.org/new-interactive-map-streamlines-licensure-guidance-for-dental-hygienists-nationwide/) - ADHA and CareQuest Institute partner to launch comprehensive tool consolidating key information to improve navigation of state requirements. The American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA®) and CareQuest Institute for Oral Health today announced the launch of the Dental Hygienist Licensure Map, an interactive resource that provides state-by-state licensure information for dental hygienists across the United States.
- [New Poll: Majority of Americans Support Water Fluoridation and Trust Dental and Medical Providers on the Issue](https://carequest.org/new-poll-majority-of-americans-support-water-fluoridation-and-trust-dental-and-medical-providers-on-the-issue/) - New Survey from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health Highlights Public Perception of Fluoride in Water as Bans Take Place Across the Country. Amid a federal push to end the use of fluoride in the country’s drinking water, a new survey from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health finds that the vast majority of Americans — 81% — either support
- [New Report: People with Disabilities Face Major Barriers to Accessing Oral Health Care](https://carequest.org/implications-and-populations-affected-heres-a-breakdown-of-the-most-relevant-tags-from-your-list-along-with-a-few-suggestions-✅-highly-relevant-tags-health-equity-the-report-h/) - New Data from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health Shows Adults with Disabilities Are Less Likely to Visit a Dentist or Have Dental Insurance. According to new data released today by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, adults with disabilities face major barriers to accessing oral health care and are at greater risk for poor oral health
- [New National Poll Shows Overwhelming Bipartisan Support for Medicare Dental Coverage](https://carequest.org/new-national-poll-shows-overwhelming-bipartisan-support-for-medicare-dental-coverage/) - 9 in 10 Voters Favor Adding Dental Coverage to Medicare; Survey also Finds Broad Support for Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits and Better Coverage for Veterans. A new national poll shows that the vast majority of voters across the political spectrum favor adding dental coverage to Medicare. The results of the poll, commissioned by CareQuest Institute for Oral
- [CareQuest Institute Earns 2024 Great Place To Work Certification™](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-earns-2024-great-place-to-work-certification/) - CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work®. CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, is proud to
- [New Report Finds Adults with ADHD Are at Greater Risk for Poor Oral Health](https://carequest.org/new-report-finds-adults-with-adhd-are-at-greater-risk-for-poor-oral-health/) - CareQuest Institute Data Show Adults with ADHD Have Worse Oral Health Outcomes and Experiences A new report released today by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® finds that adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at greater risk for poor oral health than adults without ADHD. The data reveal that adults with ADHD rated their oral health as fair or
- [CareQuest Institute Awards $1.25 Million in Grant Funding for Veterans’ Oral Health](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-awards-1-25-million-in-grant-funding-for-veterans-oral-health/) - CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, has awarded $1.25 million in grant funds to organizations working to address barriers to oral health care for veterans and active-duty military members and their families. Individual grants of $125,000 were awarded to 10
- [New Report: Integrating Oral and Mental Health During and After Pregnancy Is Critical to Improving Health Outcomes](https://carequest.org/new-report-integrating-oral-and-mental-health-during-and-after-pregnancy-is-critical-to-improving-health-outcomes/) - CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, released a new report that provides crucial insights into how pregnancy-related changes can be linked to oral and mental health. The data-driven report emphasizes the critical need for integrated health care approaches that connect
- [CareQuest Institute Reacts to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Lee Zeldin’s Statements on Fluoride](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-reacts-to-health-secretary-robert-f-kennedy-jr-and-lee-zeldins-statements-on-fluoride/) - CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, issued a statement today regarding US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s plans to direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stop recommending fluoridation in communities nationwide and US Environmental Protection
- [New Report: 72 Million Adults in the US Lack Dental Insurance, Nearly Three Times the Number Without Health Insurance](https://carequest.org/new-report-72-million-adults-in-the-us-lack-dental-insurance-nearly-three-times-the-number-without-health-insurance-2/) - CareQuest Institute for Oral Health Data Show 27% of Adults Do Not Have Dental Insurance. A new report from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® reveals that 27% of US adults — an estimated 72 million people — do not have dental insurance, nearly three times the number of adults who lack health insurance (9.5%, or 26
- [CareQuest Institute Raises Alarm Over Medicaid Cuts That Threaten Dental Access](https://carequest.org/carequest-institute-raises-alarm-over-medicaid-cuts-that-threaten-dental-access/) - CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system, today issued a statement regarding the passage of a tax and spending package that includes significant changes and deep funding cuts to the Medicaid program which may result in nearly 12 million people losing
- [Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Mom Urges Florida Leaders to Expand Dental Care under Medicaid](https://carequest.org/florida-times-union-jacksonville-mom-urges-florida-leaders-to-expand-dental-care-under-medicaid-2/) - The Florida legislature extended its 2025 session but failed to pass the state budget or expand Medicaid dental coverage. The SMILES Act (HB 975/SB 1048) seeks to improve Medicaid dental benefits by covering routine care and increasing dentist reimbursement rates. Currently, Florida Medicaid primarily covers dentures and extractions for low-income parents, adults with disabilities, seniors
- [Kansas City Star: Missouri cities are removing fluoride from water. That’s a huge health hazard](https://carequest.org/kansas-city-star-missouri-cities-are-removing-fluoride-from-water-thats-a-huge-health-hazard/) - Community water fluoridation has been a cornerstone of public health for decades because it protects people across their lifespan — especially children and older adults who may not have regular dental visits or even access to basic oral hygiene products. In Missouri, as in other states, communities have recently revisited this issue. Branson and Houston
- [Aging Out: A Story of an Adult with Disabilities Trying to Find Oral Care](https://carequest.org/aging-out-a-story-of-an-adult-with-disabilities-trying-to-find-oral-care/) - Victoria Neely noticed that her son Joshua was having some behavioral issues when he was in elementary school. She wasn’t sure why. When she took him to a pediatric dentist, they discovered a potential culprit: an abscessed tooth. “He was very combative in the dental chair,” Neely says. “But he was little enough that his
- [Medscape: The Medical-Dental Divide Is Harming Your Patients](https://carequest.org/medscape-the-medical-dental-divide-is-harming-your-patients/) - Hugh J. Silk wishes he had a time machine. If he did, he’d go back to the year 1840 and persuade the staff at what is now the University of Maryland School of Medicine to accept a recommendation to include dental instruction in their curriculum. Instead, the medical school rejected the idea — and the
- [Forbes: AI Meets Oral Health: The Race To Redefine Digital Dentistry](https://carequest.org/forbes-ai-meets-oral-health-the-race-to-redefine-digital-dentistry/) - In the United Kingdom, reports of people resorting to DIY dentistry — pulling teeth at home, gluing broken fillings, or leaving cavities untreated — have become alarmingly common. A British Dental Association survey found 82% of UK dentists have treated patients who attempted self-care since lockdown, a pattern tied to access gaps and the rise
- [The Oklahoman: Removing fluoride from water could cost Oklahomans $500M in dental care, report says](https://carequest.org/the-oklahoman-removing-fluoride-from-water-could-cost-oklahomans-500m-in-dental-care-report-says/) - A few months ago, Oklahoma officials removed the state’s recommendation for fluoride in drinking water as part of the "Make Oklahoma Healthy Again" campaign, which was announced alongside the U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. But according to a recent report, ending community water fluoridation could come with a hefty cost. Data from the
- [Florida Phoenix: 2026 Session is go time for dental therapist advocates](https://carequest.org/florida-phoenix-2026-session-is-go-time-for-dental-therapist-advocates/) - Armed with new data that show nearly $1 billion was spent on dental emergency room and hospital charges in 2024, a wide coalition of health care advocates is pushing the Legislature to approve a new mid-level dental health care provider known as dental therapists. Floridians for Dental Access is an effort led by Dr. Frank
- [Forbes: Denise Marks: Embracing Strengths, Joy & A Unique Path As CFO](https://carequest.org/forbes-denise-marks-embracing-strengths-joy-a-unique-path-as-cfo/) - Denise Marks is the CFO of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, a leading national nonprofit focused on creating a more accessible, equitable, and integrated oral health system. The organization does this through its work in grantmaking, research, health improvement programs, education, advocacy, and innovation. The organization collaborates with thought leaders, health care providers, patients,
- [Becker’s Dental Review: Alaska dental providers prepare for increased demand ahead of Medicaid changes](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-alaska-dental-providers-prepare-for-increased-demand-ahead-of-medicaid-changes/) - Alaska Medicaid providers are preparing for increased demand for dental care after the federal budget passage earlier this year, Alaska’s News Source reported Aug. 19. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law July 4, is expected to lead to a decrease in Medicaid spending by nearly $1 trillion. The legislation has
- [Becker’s Dental Review: Good news, bad news for dentistry](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-good-news-bad-news-for-dentistry/) - Here are six recent updates that have led to optimism and skepticism in the dental industry: Artificial intelligence innovation AI companies are continuing to expand ways for their technology to be used in dental practices, and industry leaders are expecting AI to soon change how every task is completed. Earlier this year, Alta AI launched
- [Central Florida Public Media: Before Florida banned Fluoride, Calgary did, too. So why did it return 14 years later?](https://carequest.org/central-florida-public-media-before-florida-banned-fluoride-calgary-did-too-so-why-did-it-return-14-years-later/) - It’s been one month since Florida banned fluoride in its drinking water. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill earlier this summer that outlawed water facilities from adding water quality additives such as fluoride. Coincidentally, the day before Florida’s ban went into effect, Calgary, in Alberta, Canada, reintroduced fluoride to its water after stopping the practice
- [DrBicuspid: U.S. adults give public water fluoridation a thumbs-up](https://carequest.org/drbicuspid-u-s-adults-give-public-water-fluoridation-a-thumbs-up/) - At a time when states like Utah have stopped adding fluoride to public water systems, 81% of adults in the U.S. report supporting or not being opposed to community water fluoridation, according to a report from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Only 6% of adults polled supported a complete ban on water fluoridation, according
- [Becker’s Dental + DSO Review: Majority of Americans support water fluoridation: Poll](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-dso-review-majority-of-americans-support-water-fluoridation-poll/) - A new report from the Carequest Institute for Oral Health shows that the majority of Americans support water fluoridation. CareQuest partnered with Marketing for Change Co. to conduct a survey of 1,114 U.S. adults between July 7-9. The survey comes as water fluoridation is under intense scrutiny at the state and federal levels due to
- [Becker’s Dental + DSO Review: New federal budget threatens continuation of Medicaid dental benefits: ADHA](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-dso-review-new-federal-budget-threatens-continuation-of-medicaid-dental-benefits-adha/) - The recently enacted federal budget could lead states to remove dental benefits from Medicaid, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association said July 11. President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act July 4. The bill is expected to increase the national debt by $3.3 trillion, and lead to a decrease in Medicaid spending by
- [CNN: Prescription Fluoride Faces FDA Scrutiny Despite Widespread Support from Providers and the Public](https://carequest.org/cnn-prescription-fluoride-faces-fda-scrutiny-despite-widespread-support-from-providers-and-the-public-2/) - The US Food and Drug Administration appears poised to continue with a plan to ban prescription fluoride supplements at a time when many experts say that access to the products has become especially important. “There’s a changing political conversation, but it’s not necessarily changing where the average American perception of fluoride is yet,” said Melissa
- [POLITICO: Dentists Are Struggling to Counter RFK Jr. on Fluoride](https://carequest.org/politico-dentists-are-struggling-to-counter-rfk-jr-on-fluoride-2/) - As more communities remove fluoride from drinking water, public health experts, including CareQuest Institute Senior Director of Public Policy Melissa Burroughs, warn of a surge in cavities and a backslide after decades of dental health progress. POLITICO breaks down the growing controversy and what it could mean for millions of people in the US. Read
- [Fierce Healthcare: Medicaid on the Brink? Perspectives from 23 Health Care Voices as Cuts Loom](https://carequest.org/fierce-healthcare-medicaid-on-the-brink-perspectives-from-23-health-care-voices-as-cuts-loom-2/) - With Medicaid funding on the chopping block, we must protect access to comprehensive care. CareQuest Institute Senior Director of Public Policy, Melissa Burroughs, spoke to Noah Tong at Fierce Healthcare about how dental benefits are usually one of the first things states eliminate when Medicaid funding is cut, or state budgets are tight. Read the
- [Reducing Preventable Dental-Related Hospital Emergency Visits is More Important than Ever](https://carequest.org/reducing-preventable-dental-related-hospital-emergency-visits-is-more-important-than-ever/) - As overtaxed hospitals struggle to meet the demands of a pandemic, emergency department utilization for non-traumatic dental care contributes to an overburdened system. Hospitals across the country are facing an unprecedented public health crisis as the novel coronavirus sweeps through our communities. It has completely overwhelmed a health care system that was already overtaxed, forcing
- [Why Teledentistry Will Help Shape the Future of Oral Health](https://carequest.org/why-teledentistry-will-help-shape-the-future-of-oral-health/) - Dental care in the United States has been changing, gradually, in the last decade. New treatments, new payment models, and new technologies have been shifting providers away from the surgical management of oral disease to a greater focus on prevention and health promotion. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country, and, by necessity, the industry
- [Four Common Questions (and Answers) about Value-Based Care](https://carequest.org/four-common-questions-and-answers-about-value-based-care/) - One thing is clear about the dental industry’s transition to value-based care: There are a lot of questions: What is value-based care? Are providers familiar with alternative payment models? What are the benefits of value-based care? During CareQuest Institute for Oral Health's recent Value-Based Care Office Hour — a bonus session after the webinar on the topic last month — a
- [A Change That Can Help Address the Black Maternal Health Crisis](https://carequest.org/a-change-that-can-help-address-the-black-maternal-health-crisis/) - By Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA, Senior Advisor and former President and CEO of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health Uncertainty. Anticipation. Fear. These are just a few of the emotions that run through the minds of almost every expecting parent. And for many expecting Black parents, those feelings are more acute. This Black Maternal Health Week, we
- [Decisions in Dentistry: Grant Funds Address the Oral Health of Patients With Disabilities](https://carequest.org/decisions-in-dentistry-grant-funds-address-the-oral-health-of-patients-with-disabilities/) - "CareQuest Institute for Oral Health has allocated $1.25 million in funding to 10 organizations to address systemic barriers to oral health for people with disabilities." Read the full story here.
- [Dr. Bicuspid: Dental Disparities Affect Veterans' Well-Being](https://carequest.org/dr-bicuspid-dental-disparities-affect-veterans-well-being/) - "Veterans often face challenges in accessing necessary dental care, which negatively affects their overall well-being and work productivity, according to a report from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and the American Institute of Dental Public Health (AIDPH)." Read the full story here.
- [Becker's Dental Review: The Biggest Effects DSOs Have on Dentistry, Per 8 Leaders](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-the-biggest-effects-dsos-have-on-dentistry-per-8-leaders/) - Rebekah Mathews, Vice President of Health Transformation at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health (Boston): "Health information technology is expanding in response to the economies of scale that DSOs create and the business intelligence support they need as a result." Read the full story here.
- [Becker's Dental Review: CMS Dental Rule a Step Forward, But More Work Still Needed](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-cms-dental-rule-a-step-forward-but-more-work-still-needed/) - "Dr. Rafia, the chief health equity officer and executive vice president at the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, recently spoke with Becker's to discuss the new CMS dental rule and what it means for dental care accessibility going forward." Read the full story here.
- [IndyStar: Nearly 370,000 Hoosiers Lost Dental Insurance Last Year. Here's What Happened.](https://carequest.org/indystar-nearly-370000-hoosiers-lost-dental-insurance-last-year-heres-what-happened/) - "Indiana's steep drop in insured families came after a national pandemic-era policy ensuring Medicaid dental coverage ended, according to Dr. Kaz Rafia, chief health equity officer at Boston-based CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, which released the study.Nationwide, 12 million people lost dental insurance." Read the full story here.
- [Task & Purpose: PTSD and Oral Health Degradation are Correlated, so Why Doesn’t the VA Automatically Service-Connect Them?](https://carequest.org/task-purpose-ptsd-and-oral-health-degradation-are-correlated-so-why-doesnt-the-va-automatically-service-connect-them-2/) - "Oral and mental health ailments have been well-researched, correlated, and understood within American healthcare for decades, yet 85% of the approximately 9 million American veterans do not have dental or oral health coverage through the VA." Read the full story here.
- [Dr. Bicuspid: Poor Oral Health, Gum Bacteria Linked to Dementia](https://carequest.org/dr-bicuspid-poor-oral-health-gum-bacteria-linked-to-dementia/) - Poor oral health may be associated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), according to a report recently released from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Read the full story here.
- [Health Affairs: New ACA Policy Expands Access To Dental Care. Now, States Need To Act](https://carequest.org/health-affairs-new-aca-policy-expands-access-to-dental-care-now-states-need-to-act/) - "This new rule holds the potential to make dental coverage available to millions of people who do not have it. According to the 2023 State of Oral Health Equity in America survey from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, nearly 70 million adults do not have dental insurance. This number has almost certainly increased, as the
- [Dentistry Today: Teledentistry](https://carequest.org/dentistry-today-teledentistry/) - "More current and prospective patients, especially younger ones, expect a virtual encounter option from all of their healthcare providers. Moreover, according to a recent survey conducted by CareQuest Institute, 86% of patients were satisfied with their teledental experiences and would recommend teledentistry." Read the full story here.
- [USA Today: Imagine if the Government Offered Dental Care. New Federal Rule Could Make that a Reality.](https://carequest.org/usa-today-imagine-if-the-government-offered-dental-care-new-federal-rule-could-make-that-a-reality/) - The deficit in dental coverage is immense: nearly 69 million U.S. adults did not have dental insurance or access to routine oral health care last year, according to a survey by the nonprofit CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Millions more lost dental insurance last year when states began to unwind Medicaid coverage for people who
- [Dental Products Report: Senator Bernie Sanders Introduces Dental Care Crisis Legislation](https://carequest.org/dental-products-report-senator-bernie-sanders-introduces-dental-care-crisis-legislation/) - This bill is cosponsored by Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, and is endorsed by Families USA, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, and Community Catalyst. To learn more about the bill, the HELP Committee, or to read the legislation, visit here. Read the full story here.
- [Newsweek: How Medicare Benefits Would Change Under Plan Proposed by Doctors](https://carequest.org/newsweek-how-medicare-benefits-would-change-under-plan-proposed-by-doctors/) - Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, president and CEO of Boston's CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, echoed Simon's statements. She added that because of Medicare's current guidelines, around 25 million older Americans and people with disabilities have no dental benefits. "There is currently no financial support for adults to purchase dental insurance through [the Affordable Care Act's] Health
- [The Kansas City Star: Poor Dental Health and Poverty are Related. Stronger Teeth Can Lead to a Better Life](https://carequest.org/the-kansas-city-star-poor-dental-health-and-poverty-are-related-stronger-teeth-can-lead-to-a-better-life/) - The correlation between poor dental health and poverty cannot be overlooked. Just last year, this “neglected epidemic” saw nearly 69 million U.S. adults without dental insurance, according to a survey by the nonprofit CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Read the full story here.
- [Forbes: Dental Facts And Statistics In 2024](https://carequest.org/forbes-dental-facts-and-statistics-in-2024/) - What’s more, one 2023 study found that individuals with periodontal disease may have a higher risk of certain chronic respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, at least one preventative dental visit within three years may reduce the risk of ventilator-acquired pneumonia by as much as 22%, according to 2020 research from the
- [Becker’s Dental Review: Why 2 MDs Testified Before a Senate Committee About Oral Health Care](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-why-2-mds-testified-before-a-senate-committee-about-oral-health-care/) - Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, and Lisa Simon, MD, DMD, recently joined two dentists to testify before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions about how to improve dental care affordability and accessibility. Read the full story here.
- [Military Times: A Dental Debacle: Why Veterans Struggle To Navigate VA’s Oral Care](https://carequest.org/military-times-a-dental-debacle-why-veterans-struggle-to-navigate-vas-oral-care/) - In a report released earlier this year, researchers from the American Institute of Dental Public Health and CareQuest Institute found higher rates of dental problems among veterans than their civilian peers, including issues with tooth decay (56% among veterans versus 37% in the general population) and gum disease (42% versus 27%). Read the full story
- [Beckers Dental: Why 4 Leaders Are Pushing For Dental-Medical Integration](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-why-4-leaders-are-pushing-for-dental-medical-integration/) - Integration between the medical and dental fields is still in the early stages, but these four leaders are looking to keep the momentum going. Here, four leaders of the dental industry share why they believe medical-dental integration is important and how the integration could be accelerated. Read the full story here.
- [Your Official ADHA Podcast: Staggering Loss of Productivity Due to Dental Issues](https://carequest.org/your-official-adha-podcast-staggering-loss-of-productivity-due-to-dental-issues/) - On this episode of the ADHA Podcast host Matt Crespin sits down with Lisa Heaton, PhD, author of a recently published report from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health on the tremendous amount of lost productivity as a result of dental issues. Dr. Heaton shares some of the eye-opening findings from this study as well
- [Beckers Dental Review: 'Extremely frustrating': Dental Leaders Concerned for Impact of Medicaid Disenrollments](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-extremely-frustrating-dental-leaders-concerned-for-impact-of-medicaid-disenrollments/) - "The CareQuest Institute for Oral Health warned in April 2023 that more than 14 million adults could lose their dental coverage as part of the redetermination process. Recent analysis from the organization shows that about 12 million adults and children lost their dental coverage between April and September of 2023." Read the full story here.
- [Incisal Edge Magazine: 8th Annual – 32 Most Influential People in Dentistry](https://carequest.org/incisal-edge-magazine-8th-annual-32-most-influential-people-in-dentistry/) - It's no secret that underserved communities score poorly on just about every measure of oral health. In steps Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, the head of the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, a Boston-based organization that aims to stem these inequities through a variety of grants and awards. Read the full story here.
- [Dental Products Report: Addressing the Mental-Oral Health Link for Veterans](https://carequest.org/dental-products-report-addressing-the-mental-oral-health-link-for-veterans/) - Eighty-five percent of veterans are ineligible for dental coverage through the Veterans Affairs (VA), making lack of access to dental care a significant and devastatingly common issue for those who have served our country. Read the full story here.
- [Dr. Bicuspid: 9 in 10 U.S. Voters Approve Adding Dental to Medicare](https://carequest.org/dr-bicuspid-9-in-10-u-s-voters-approve-adding-dental-to-medicare/) - In the U.S., 92% of voters across the political spectrum support adding a dental benefit to Medicare, according to a report from the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health and the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network. Read the full story here.
- [Beckers Dental Review: What A Harris-Walz Ticket Could Mean For Oral Health Care](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-what-a-harris-walz-ticket-could-mean-for-oral-health-care/) - Tim Walz, the vice president nominee for the Democratic Party, could help advance certain oral healthcare initiatives based on his actions as the current governor of Minnesota, according to Melissa Burroughs, the director of policy at CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Read the full story here.
- [Beckers Dental Review: Federal Bills A 'Huge Step Forward' For Dental Care Accessibility](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-federal-bills-a-huge-step-forward-for-dental-care-accessibility/) - U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell introduced the Comprehensive Dental Care Reform Act of 2024 Sept. 17 as a companion to legislation previously introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders in May. Melissa Burroughs, the director of policy at the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, told Becker's the bill is a "huge step forward" for enhancements to dental care
- [Fierce Healthcare: Comprehensive Dental Coverage Gaining Traction In Congress](https://carequest.org/fierce-healthcare-comprehensive-dental-coverage-gaining-traction-in-congress/) - CareQuest has worked with and supported Sanders on these issues, but Dingell’s bill is the first time in years that a companion bill has been introduced in the House. Read the full story here.
- [Keystone: Lack Of Dental Coverage Traps PA Residents In Medical And Credit Debt](https://carequest.org/keystone-lack-of-dental-coverage-traps-pa-residents-in-medical-and-credit-debt/) - "CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, which advocates for accessible and equitable dental care, found that 67% of Pennsylvanians visited a dentist in 2023, while 7% of residents skipped visiting a dentist while having an oral health problem due to costs." Read the full story here.
- [The Journey Toward Oral Health Equity in Virginia](https://carequest.org/the-journey-toward-oral-health-equity-in-virginia/) - A particular moment stands out to Sarah Bedard Holland, the CEO of Virginia Health Catalyst, as when she realized she wanted to work in health care: “When I was in high school, someone who was very close to me was diagnosed with AIDS, and I had the opportunity to see firsthand how my community reacted
- [Becker’s Dental Review: How the Trump Administration Should Approach Oral Health: Q&A](https://carequest.org/beckers-dental-review-how-the-trump-administration-should-approach-oral-health-qa/) - What’s the future of oral health policy in the US? CareQuest Institute Senior Director of Public Policy Melissa Burroughs recently spoke with Becker’s Dental + DSO Review to discuss how the Trump administration can prioritize oral health improvement. Read the full article here.
- [Estimation of Oral Disease Burden from Claims and Self-Reported Data](https://carequest.org/estimation-of-oral-disease-burden-from-claims-and-self-reported-data/) - Claims data can be used to estimate burden of dental disease for a population who receives dental care, according to researchers from CareQuest Institute and Marquette University School of Dentistry in an article in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry. Typically, oral disease burden is estimated through epidemiological surveys, which can be costly and time-consuming.
- [2022: US Adults' Perceptions about HPV Vaccination and Dental Providers' Role in HPV Prevention](https://carequest.org/2022-us-adults-perceptions-about-hpv-vaccination-and-dental-providers-role-in-hpv-prevention/) - Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Oropharyngeal cancers (OPC) are the most common cancers of all HPV cancers and can be prevented using HPV vaccines. However, HPV vaccine rates are far from Healthy People 2020 or 2030 goals. This study examined adults’ HPV vaccine knowledge and perceptions in the context of
- [2022: Screening for Diabetes in the Oral Health Care Setting: Developing a Predictive Algorithm to Identify High-Risk Patients](https://carequest.org/2022-screening-for-diabetes-in-the-oral-health-care-setting-developing-a-predictive-algorithm-to-identify-high-risk-patients/) - Approximately 2.5% of individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) are undiagnosed. DM and periodontal disease (PD) have a suggested bidirectional relationship; those with PD have an increased risk of DM and vice versa. The goal of this study was to develop and test a predictive algorithm to identify adults at risk for DM and test their A1C levels in the
- [2022: Integration of Oral Health into Primary Care: Importance of Patients' Perceptions and Attitudes](https://carequest.org/2022-integration-of-oral-health-into-primary-care-importance-of-patients-perceptions-and-attitudes/) - MORE Care (Medical Oral Expanded Care) is an initiative of CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. Its goals are to integrate oral health competencies into primary medical care settings. In collaboration with Oral Health Ohio, this program is a pilot that operationalizes the establishment of medical-dental integration (MDI), alternative payment models (APMs), and medical-dental networking. Data surrounding this
- [2022: Consumers Experiences with and Attitudes toward Receiving Health Screenings at Dental Visits](https://carequest.org/2022-consumers-experiences-with-and-attitudes-toward-receiving-health-screenings-at-dental-visits/) - Integrating overall health screenings into dental visits ensures individuals receive both necessary dental care and important medical screenings, both which benefit patients and the overall health care system. This study examined consumers’ experiences with and attitudes toward receiving health screenings from dental providers. During this presentation, Adrianna Sonnek, MPH, shared data from CareQuest Institute for Oral
- [2022: Data and Storytelling: Supporting Equitable Access to Care for Veterans](https://carequest.org/2022-data-and-storytelling-supporting-equitable-access-to-care-for-veterans/) - Learning objectives: Evaluate the current landscape and drivers of veteran oral health Understand the impact and context surrounding inadequate access to veteran oral health Identify opportunities to improve veteran oral health using data-driven tools resources Attachments: Ghimire_APHApresentation.pptx (4.76 MB)
- [Update on Alternative Payment Models in Oral Health Care](https://carequest.org/update-on-alternative-payment-models-in-oral-health-care/) - In this article in Decisions in Dentistry, CareQuest Institute researchers update a previous analysis to compare spending and service utilization of fee-for-service (FFS) models to alternative payment models (APMs) through 2019. Consistent with earlier findings, cost per patient remains lower and service utilization remains higher under APMs compared to FFS. The authors also found that patients
- [Caries Risk and Social Determinants of Health: A Big Data Report](https://carequest.org/caries-risk-and-social-determinants-of-health-a-big-data-report/) - In this study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, researchers at CareQuest Institute and the University of Colorado found that individuals living in areas with greater social deprivation had higher caries risk. Although the fact is well-known, the authors said, it is rarely examined. Oral Health Equity and Social Determinants The
- [The Relationship Between Vaping and Oral Health](https://carequest.org/the-relationship-between-vaping-and-oral-health/) - What are the health risks of vaping? Although presented as a safer alternative to tobacco, electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is associated with a variety of health risks. A visual report from CareQuest Institute explains the risks related to oral health. Vaping and Mouth Sores Oral lesions such as nicotine stomatitis (“smoker’s palate”), hairy tongue (discoloration
- [Adult Use of Emergency Departments for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions: Spotlight on North Carolina](https://carequest.org/adult-use-of-emergency-departments-for-non-traumatic-dental-conditions-spotlight-on-north-carolina/) - Millions of adults in the US lack access to routine dental care and resort to visiting hospital emergency departments (EDs) for non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDCs). What drives these costly ED visits and who is most likely to make them? A new visual report from CareQuest Institute explores those questions within the state of North Carolina.
- [Adult Use of Emergency Departments for Non-Traumatic Dental Conditions: Spotlight on Minnesota](https://carequest.org/adult-use-of-emergency-departments-for-non-traumatic-dental-conditions-spotlight-on-minnesota/) - Millions of adults in the US lack access to routine dental care and resort to visiting hospital emergency departments (EDs) for non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDCs). What drives these costly ED visits and who is most likely to make them? A new visual report from CareQuest Institute explores those questions within the state of Minnesota. Who
- [The Role of Algorithms in Oral Health Care and Disease Prevention and Management: Consumer and Provider Perspectives](https://carequest.org/the-role-of-algorithms-in-oral-health-care-and-disease-prevention-and-management-consumer-and-provider-perspectives/) - Consumers and providers support the use of algorithms and digital health tools to deliver more personalized, patient-centered care, according to findings in a report by CareQuest Institute. Using Health Data to Predict and Treat Disease The research report shares insights from surveys of consumers and providers about their attitudes toward the use of algorithms for
- [Perceptions about HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancers](https://carequest.org/perceptions-about-hpv-and-oropharyngeal-cancers/) - The Role of Dental Care Providers in HPV Prevention among US Adults Nearly 60% of adults are comfortable discussing HPV and the HPV vaccine with their oral health care provider, and providers have an opportunity to increase consumer knowledge about the relationship between HPV and oral cancers, according to CareQuest Institute survey results published in The
- [Oral Hygiene Home Care Practices in America](https://carequest.org/oral-hygiene-home-care-practices-in-america/) - Results from CareQuest Institute’s nationally representative survey on oral health show that brushing and flossing frequency are correlated with other oral hygiene habits such as consuming sugary beverages and using tobacco. Key findings include: Most adults are brushing once per day or more (94%) and flossing half as often (44%). Older adults, aged 60+, were
- [American Indian and Alaska Native Communities Face a ‘Disproportionate Burden of Oral Disease'](https://carequest.org/american-indian-and-alaska-native-communities-face-a-disproportionate-burden-of-oral-disease/) - Reversing Inequities Involves Challenges and Opportunities Structural racism and a lack of necessities, such as access to healthy food and adequate housing, have contributed to significant oral health disparities for American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN). While some health outcomes are improving, this white paper ― a collaboration between CareQuest Institute and native-led organizations ―
- [Addressing the Role of Oral Health in Maternal Mortality and Pregnancy Outcomes](https://carequest.org/addressing-the-role-of-oral-health-in-maternal-mortality-and-pregnancy-outcomes/) - It is an alarming trend that both maternal mortality and preterm birth rates have increased in the United States during the last three years. Even more alarming: Those rates are especially high for people of color. A visual report from CareQuest Institute examines the worsening state of maternal and infant health in the US, and
- [Dental Danger: Home Remedies to Avoid When Awaiting Care](https://carequest.org/dental-danger-home-remedies-to-avoid-when-awaiting-care/) - More than half (53.8%) of adults in the US do not have consistent access to dental care and may resort to home remedies, which are not always safe. In fact, according to a visual report from CareQuest Institute, half of adults who experienced an oral health problem in the last 12 months used a home
- [The State of Sleep and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Myths and Facts](https://carequest.org/the-state-of-sleep-and-obstructive-sleep-apnea-myths-and-facts/) - Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common chronic health condition that can create health and job-related risks for the 30 million people who have it. A visual report from CareQuest Institute examines how the integration of oral health care with primary care and sleep medicine can improve access to OSA care, reduce sleep disparities, and
- [Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Care Utilization and Oral Health Conditions in the United States](https://carequest.org/impact-of-covid-19-on-dental-care-utilization-and-oral-health-conditions-in-the-united-states/) - In this journal article, researchers from CareQuest Institute and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine examine the impact of COVID-19 on dental care use and oral health conditions among more than 430,000 patients at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in 2019 and 2020. Because FQHCs serve more than 28 million patients who are publicly insured
- [Effect of Self-Assembling Peptide P11-4 on Arrest, Cavitation, and Progression of Initial Caries Lesions](https://carequest.org/effect-of-self-assembling-peptide-p11-4-on-arrest-cavitation-and-progression-of-initial-caries-lesions/) - Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis A systematic review of self-assembling peptide P11-4, a brush-on treatment that uses a remineralization process to regenerate damaged enamel in initial caries lesions, found that the treatment successfully arrested non-cavitated caries lesions and decreased lesion size. The review, published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, assessed whether patients with initial
- [Beyond a Nice Smile](https://carequest.org/beyond-a-nice-smile/) - Links Between Oral Health and Overall Health for Older Adults Oral health is about more than a pretty smile. The benefits of good oral health extend to overall health, self-esteem, and quality of life. And the risks of poor oral health can be particularly severe for older adults. This infographic, a collaboration between CareQuest Institute
- [The Oral-Systemic Connection Across the Lifespan](https://carequest.org/the-oral-systemic-connection-across-the-lifespan/) - How Dental Health Affects Overall Health at Every Age Across the lifespan, there is a strong connection between dental health and overall health. But the nature of that connection — the specific challenges and risks — changes over time. An infographic from CareQuest Institute summarizes research on these connections, from pregnancy through older adulthood. https://youtu.be/sUI3FjQ8qkA
- [Medical and Dental Integration: A Need for Improved Electronic Health Records](https://carequest.org/medical-and-dental-integration-a-need-for-improved-electronic-health-records/) - The benefits of integrating oral health care and overall health care are well-known. However, the inability for medical and dental providers to access and contribute to shared patient records continues to be a barrier to an integrated health system. To learn about provider experiences with electronic health records (EHRs), CareQuest Institute conducted a survey of more
- [Uninsured and in Need](https://carequest.org/uninsured-and-in-need/) - 68.5 Million Lack Dental Insurance, More May Be Coming According to the 2023 State of Oral Health Equity in America survey from CareQuest Institute, an estimated 68.5 million adults do not have dental insurance. The survey is the largest nationally representative, annual survey focused exclusively on adults’ knowledge, attitudes, experiences, and behaviors related to oral
- [Opioids for Acute and Chronic Pain When Receiving Psychiatric Medications](https://carequest.org/opioids-for-acute-and-chronic-pain-when-receiving-psychiatric-medications/) - A new study concludes that although health care providers have reduced opioid prescriptions for acute or chronic pain for patients at high risk for substance use disorder (SUD) — including those with mental health disorders (MHD) — opioid use for pain management has remained at consistently high levels and there’s a need to revisit and
- [Hunger Pains: How Food Insecurity Affects Oral Health](https://carequest.org/hunger-pains-how-food-insecurity-affects-oral-health/) - Nearly 24 million adults in the US — approximately 9% of the adult population — experience food insecurity, according to CareQuest Institute’s 2023 State of Oral Health Equity in America survey. Survey results reveal that food insecurity is linked to poorer oral health outcomes. Key findings on food insecurity from the survey — the largest
- [Discrimination and Dignity Experiences in Prior Oral Care Visits Predict Racialized Oral Health Inequities Among Nationally Representative US Adults](https://carequest.org/discrimination-and-dignity-experiences-in-prior-oral-care-visits-predict-racialized-oral-health-inequities-among-nationally-representative-us-adults/) - Individuals who experience discrimination or microaggressions within oral care settings have worse oral health outcomes and are less likely to plan a preventive oral care visit in the future, according to an article in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. The insights are based on findings from the CareQuest Institute State of Oral
- [Teledentistry Regulation and Policy Guidance](https://carequest.org/teledentistry-regulation-and-policy-guidance/) - A Toolkit to Promote Access and Quality Care Through Teledentistry Teledentistry offers immense potential benefits for oral health care, but to realize these benefits, appropriate policies and regulations must be in place. This document identifies primary considerations for regulators and policymakers regarding teledentistry. Key recommendations include: Public and private entities that pay for health services
- [Framework for Fiscal Impact Analysis of Managing Initial Caries Lesions with Noninvasive Therapies](https://carequest.org/framework-for-fiscal-impact-analysis-of-managing-initial-caries-lesions-with-noninvasive-therapies/) - Which is more cost-effective to treat initial caries lesions — traditional restoration or noninvasive therapies? A study in the Journal of the American Dental Association finds that several noninvasive caries therapies improve outcomes for patients and are more cost-effective for payors and clinicians. The study, co-authored by researchers at CareQuest Institute and CareQuest Innovation Partners, a for-profit
- [2023: Beyond the Screen: How Dental Providers are Using Teledentistry to Meet Patient Needs](https://carequest.org/2023-beyond-the-screen-how-dental-providers-are-using-teledentistry-to-meet-patient-needs/) - We know little about how oral health professionals are using teledentistry in day-to-day dental practice in the aftermath of a global pandemic, explained CareQuest Institute Analytics and Data Insights team Kelly Schroeder, Morgan Santoro, Paige Martin, and Eric P. Tranby in a presentation on how dental providers are using teledentistry to meet patient needs. The
- [Medical Oral Expanded Care in Ohio](https://carequest.org/medical-oral-expanded-care-in-ohio/) - Improving Children's Dental Health Tooth decay is the most common, preventable chronic disease among children in the US. And in Ohio, one out of every four children has not had an annual dental visit. CareQuest Institute and Oral Health Ohio are collaborating on an innovative program (MORE Care™) that partners physicians and dentists to provide whole-person health
- [Implicit Bias Among Dental Professionals: A Scoping Review](https://carequest.org/implicit-bias-among-dental-professionals-a-scoping-review/) - Presented at the 2024 International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research General Session This scoping review evaluated the existence of implicit bias among oral health professionals and the potential impact on patient outcomes. Findings suggest that implicit bias impacts the clinical decision-making of dental professionals, particularly among recommendations for extractions and surgery for oral
- [Poor Oral Health May Contribute to the Risk of Dementia](https://carequest.org/poor-oral-health-may-contribute-to-the-risk-of-dementia/) - This visual report from CareQuest Institute examines current research on the links between poor oral health and the risk of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). It is estimated that by 2040, the number of individuals with ADRD in the US could reach 12 million, making it critical to determine whether improvements
- [The Heart of the Matter](https://carequest.org/the-heart-of-the-matter/) - Links Between Cardiovascular Health and Oral Health A visual report from CareQuest Institute explores the relationship between cardiovascular (heart) disease and periodontal (gum) disease, which are both extremely common in the US. Individuals with gum disease have two to three times the risk of experiencing a heart attack, stroke, or a severe cardiovascular event. Additional
- [Dental Coverage National Voter Polling Results](https://carequest.org/dental-coverage-national-voter-polling-results/) - More than 9 in 10 voters nationwide (92%) support adding a dental benefit to Medicare, according to results of a new national poll commissioned by CareQuest Institute and the Oral Health Progress and Equity Network (OPEN). The findings were first presented at the 2024 OPEN Advocacy Assembly on July 17. Key findings include: 85% of
- [Unlocking Value in Alternative Payment Models](https://carequest.org/unlocking-value-in-alternative-payment-models/) - The Power of Readily Available Information In the past decade, health care payment models have shifted from volume-driven, fee-for-service payments toward value-based care and payment models. These alternative payment models (APMs) hold the potential to improve quality, enhance the care experience, and reduce costs. Yet oral health is often not considered in the testing of
- [State of Oral Health Equity in America 2024](https://carequest.org/state-of-oral-health-equity-in-america-2024/) - Key Findings from the 2024 Survey CareQuest Institute’s annual State of Oral Health Equity in America survey is the largest nationally representative survey focused on adults’ attitudes, experiences, and behaviors related to oral health. The 2024 survey is our largest yet, gathering responses from more than 9,000 adults in the US. This infographic highlights some
- [Medicaid Adult Dental Benefits Offered to Specific Beneficiary Groups](https://carequest.org/medicaid-adult-dental-benefits-offered-to-specific-beneficiary-groups-2/) - What does Medicaid cover for dental for adults? According to this CareQuest Institute report updated for 2025, 21 states now offer additional dental coverage to specific beneficiary groups, including pregnant and postpartum adults, adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities, and adults utilizing long-term care. Additional Key Findings Eight states cover dental services for pregnant adults
- [Attention to Detail: ADHD and Oral Health](https://carequest.org/attention-to-detail-adhd-and-oral-health/) - Links Between Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oral Health While children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be at a greater risk of poor oral health than children without ADHD, little is known about the oral health of adults with ADHD. That's why the nationally representative, annual CareQuest Institute State of Oral Health Equity in America survey
- [Oral and Mental Health During and After Pregnancy](https://carequest.org/oral-and-mental-health-during-and-after-pregnancy/) - The Importance of Medical-Dental-Behavioral Integration for Pregnant People Given the relationship between oral health and mental health in individuals with a pregnancy history (and across the lifespan), a report from CareQuest Institute underscores an increasing need for the integration of medical, dental, and behavioral health care. The report, based on the State of Oral Health Equity
- [The Role of Oral Health Providers in Screening and Referrals for Mpox](https://carequest.org/the-role-of-oral-health-providers-in-screening-and-referrals-for-mpox/) - Mpox (also known as monkeypox or MPX) lesions may first appear in the mouth or on the tongue and may appear before lesions on other areas of the body. This finding means that oral health providers may be the first health care professionals to detect signs of the mpox virus in their patients, according to
- [Statement on Recent Decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States by Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA, President and CEO, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health](https://carequest.org/statement-on-recent-decisions-by-the-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-by-myechia-minter-jordan-md-mba-president-and-ceo-carequest-institute-for-oral-health/) - “Over the past several weeks we have witnessed a series of decisions from the US Supreme Court that have changed the landscape in the fight for health equity and social justice. From gun control, to reproductive health, to climate policy, these decisions will have lasting impacts on all Americans but the implications for marginalized and
- [Oral Health in Incarcerated Persons](https://carequest.org/oral-health-in-incarcerated-persons/) - A visual report from CareQuest Institute reviews the relationship between incarceration and oral health, highlighting that 50% of incarcerated individuals had a dental problem during the time they were imprisoned. “First and foremost,” the authors write, “we must prioritize strengthening the oral health care delivery system to incarcerated people.” Despite being the only individuals in
- [Does Our Oral Health Care System Welcome Everyone?](https://carequest.org/does-our-oral-health-care-system-welcome-everyone/) - Persistent Barriers to Equitable Access for All Barriers to adequate oral health care for millions of people in the US — barriers stemming from socioeconomic factors and environments that do not welcome everyone — continue to create inequities, according to CareQuest Institute’s fourth annual State of Oral Health Equity in America (SOHEA) survey. The State
- [The Need for Medicare Dental Coverage](https://carequest.org/the-need-for-medicare-dental-coverage/) - Despite the essential role of oral health in overall well-being, Medicare does not provide comprehensive dental coverage, leaving one in three older adults without dental coverage and forcing them to pay out-of-pocket or go without necessary care. This oral health fact sheet from CareQuest Institute highlights the health risks and economic consequences of Medicare’s limited
- [Unseen Needs: The Frequency of Dental Care Received by People Living with HIV](https://carequest.org/unseen-needs-the-frequency-of-dental-care-received-by-people-living-with-hiv/) - More than 1.2 million people in the US living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are significantly less likely to receive dental care compared to those without HIV, despite being at higher risk for oral health issues, according to this report from CareQuest Institute. Using 2020–2022 medical and dental claims data to compare patterns in dental
- [Partners in Progress: Pursuing Medical-Dental Integration in Ohio](https://carequest.org/partners-in-progress-pursuing-medical-dental-integration-in-ohio/) - This impact report and case study explore the results of the Medical Oral Expanded Care (MORE Care®) Ohio pilot program (MORE Care OH), a two-year project designed to integrate oral health into pediatric primary care across six counties in Ohio. Led by CareQuest Institute and Oral Health Ohio, the initiative brought together seven private and
- [Statement on Recent Decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States by Kaz Rafia, DDS, MBA, Chief Health Equity Officer, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health](https://carequest.org/statement-on-recent-decisions-by-the-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-by-kaz-rafia-dds-mba-chief-health-equity-officer-carequest-institute-for-oral-health/) - “The US Supreme Court has again issued several decisions that will fundamentally change the ways in which we pursue equity and social justice in this country. From affirmative action in higher education to student loan forgiveness to LGBTQ+ protections, these recent decisions will have lasting impacts on all of us but particularly for historically marginalized

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- [Faculty Resources](https://carequest.org/education/faculty-resources/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”110px||100px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”40px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”70px||60px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”5vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px” header_letter_spacing=”-1px”
- [Person-Centered Care](https://carequest.org/education/self-paced-courses/person-centered-care/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”110px||88px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”20px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”4.2vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px” header_letter_spacing=”-1px”
- [Partner With Us](https://carequest.org/about/partner-with-us/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”30px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Leadership Team](https://carequest.org/about/leadership-team/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 31%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”80px||40px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”120px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||30px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD”
- [About CareQuest Institute](https://carequest.org/about/) - Learn about CareQuest Institute's mission to improve oral health as an integral part of overall health via research, community support, and systemic change.
- [Community Water Fluoridation](https://carequest.org/policy-advocacy/community-water-fluoridation/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2.7vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [CareQuest Innovation Partners](https://carequest.org/about/carequest-innovation/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||3vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2.5vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Self-Paced Courses](https://carequest.org/education/self-paced-courses/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”110px||90px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”20px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”4.2vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px” header_letter_spacing=”-1px”
- [Clinical Practice](https://carequest.org/education/self-paced-courses/clinical-practice/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”110px||88px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”20px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”4.2vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px” header_letter_spacing=”-1px”
- [Special Patient Care](https://carequest.org/education/self-paced-courses/special-patient-care/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”110px||60px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”20px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”4.2vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px” header_letter_spacing=”-1px”
- [Practice Management](https://carequest.org/education/self-paced-courses/practice-management/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”110px||88px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”20px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”4.2vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px” header_letter_spacing=”-1px”
- [Careers](https://carequest.org/careers/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” background_enable_video_mp4=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|tablet” custom_padding=”200px||80px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||40px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”200px||30px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0vw||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”15vw||0vw||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||”
- [Education & CEs](https://carequest.org/education/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”110px||100px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”40px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3.5vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px” header_letter_spacing=”-1px”
- [Privacy Statement](https://carequest.org/privacy-statement/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”7vw||4vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”900px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”4.8vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Media](https://carequest.org/news-blog/media/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||4vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”20px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px” header_letter_spacing=”-1px”
- [Grants](https://carequest.org/grants-overview/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”20px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Impact](https://carequest.org/about/impact/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-80px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||1vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3.5vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD”
- [Minimally Invasive Care](https://carequest.org/about/minimally-invasive-care/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”30px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2.1vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Research and Analytics](https://carequest.org/research-and-analytics/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”5vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [In The News](https://carequest.org/news-blog/in-the-news/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”7vw||80px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px” header_letter_spacing=”-1px”
- [OPEN Initiative](https://carequest.org/policy-advocacy/open/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”50px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Consent and Release](https://carequest.org/consent-and-release/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”7vw||4vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”900px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”4.8vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Medical-Dental Integration](https://carequest.org/about/medical-dental-integration/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”40px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2.1vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Value-Based Care](https://carequest.org/about/value-based-care/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”30px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [News & Blog](https://carequest.org/news-blog/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”7vw||80px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”40px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left”
- [Pregnancy and Oral Health](https://carequest.org/pregnancy-and-oral-health/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”20px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Protect Fluoride in Kentucky](https://carequest.org/policy-advocacy/protect-fluoride-ky/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2.7vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [OPEN Past Events](https://carequest.org/policy-advocacy/open/past-events/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”40px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1.5vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Protect Fluoride in Missouri](https://carequest.org/policy-advocacy/protect-fluoride-mo/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2.7vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Protect Fluoride in Tennessee](https://carequest.org/policy-advocacy/protect-fluoride-tn/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2.7vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Health Transformation Programs](https://carequest.org/health-transformation-programs/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”20px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2.4vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Apply for a Grant](https://carequest.org/grants-overview/apply/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||3vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”5vw||7vw||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||8vw||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”40px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px” header_letter_spacing=”-1px”
- [Style Sheet](https://carequest.org/style-sheet/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Live Style Sheet” text_orientation=”center” header_fullscreen=”on” header_scroll_down=”on” scroll_down_icon=”%%7%%” scroll_down_icon_color=”#F0B323″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_line_height=”2em” background_color=”#2C378E” global_colors_info=”{}” scroll_down_icon_color__hover_enabled=”on|hover” scroll_down_icon_color__hover=”#E95329″]A selection of layouts for the new CareQuest.org website[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default”
- [Terms & Conditions](https://carequest.org/terms-conditions/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”7vw||4vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”900px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”4.8vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [FAQ](https://carequest.org/faq/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”6vw||3vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”5.5vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Newsletter](https://carequest.org/newsletter/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”7vw||4vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”900px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”4.8vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Contact Us](https://carequest.org/contact-us/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”7vw||4vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”900px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”4.8vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [State of Oral Health Equity in America](https://carequest.org/state-oral-health-equity-america-page/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”7vw||3vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”4vw||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_text
- [Emergency Department Use](https://carequest.org/emergency-department-use/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”40px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px” header_letter_spacing=”-1px”
- [Teledentistry](https://carequest.org/teledentistry/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”40px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3.5vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Impact Report](https://carequest.org/impact-report/) - Explore the 2025 CareQuest Institute Impact Report to find videos, stories, and statistics about how we’re improving the oral health system.
- [Search](https://carequest.org/posts-search/) - [et_pb_section admin_label=”section”] [et_pb_row admin_label=”row”] [et_pb_column type=”4_4″][/et_pb_column] [/et_pb_row] [/et_pb_section]
- [Publications & Tools](https://carequest.org/publications-tools/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”7vw||80px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”30px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Policy & Advocacy](https://carequest.org/policy-advocacy/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”4vw||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″
- [Press Releases](https://carequest.org/news-blog/press-releases/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”7vw||80px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px” header_letter_spacing=”-1px”
- [Blog](https://carequest.org/news-blog/blog/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”7vw||80px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px” header_letter_spacing=”-1px”
- [Search Grantees](https://carequest.org/grants-overview/search-grantees/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||80px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px” header_letter_spacing=”-1px”
- [Medicaid](https://carequest.org/policy-advocacy/medicaid/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”30px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1.4vw||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″
- [Medicare](https://carequest.org/policy-advocacy/medicare/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”20px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”2vw||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″
- [MDI in Action](https://carequest.org/about/medical-dental-integration/mdi-in-action/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”10px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3.5vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Veteran Oral Health](https://carequest.org/policy-advocacy/veteran-oral-health/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”40px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3.5vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [Board of Directors](https://carequest.org/about/board-of-directors/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 31%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”80px||40px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”120px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||50px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||30px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||30px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD”
- [Transforming Oral Health](https://carequest.org/about/transforming-oral-health/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||5vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”40px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1.6vw||||false|false” pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2b15cc2c-2a86-4faa-97eb-e8d3e2b4c419″ header_font=”Poppins|700|||||||” header_text_align=”left” header_text_color=”#FDFDFD” header_font_size=”55px”
- [OPEN Membership Form](https://carequest.org/policy-advocacy/open/membership-form/) - [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#2C378E” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”#2c378e 46%|#080242 100%” background_enable_image=”off” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”-100px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”8vw||2vw||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”10px||5px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row module_class=”reverse” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”70px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”off|desktop” custom_padding=”30px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ pac_dcm_carousel_specific_module_num=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://carequest.org/category/uncategorized/)
- [Press Release](https://carequest.org/category/news-category/press-release/)
- [Blog](https://carequest.org/category/news-category/blog/)
- [In The News](https://carequest.org/category/news-category/in-the-news/)
- [News Category](https://carequest.org/category/news-category/)
- [Resource Library](https://carequest.org/category/resource-library/)
- [Dashboard](https://carequest.org/category/resource-library/dashboard/)
- [Journal Article](https://carequest.org/category/resource-library/journal-article/)
- [Presentation](https://carequest.org/category/resource-library/presentation/)
- [Tool](https://carequest.org/category/resource-library/tool/)
- [Video](https://carequest.org/category/resource-library/video/)
- [Visual Report](https://carequest.org/category/resource-library/visual-report/)
- [Publication](https://carequest.org/category/resource-library/publication/)

## Tags

- [Clinical Practice](https://carequest.org/tag/clinical-practice/)
- [Health Equity](https://carequest.org/tag/health-equity/)
- [Medical-Dental Integration](https://carequest.org/tag/medical-dental-integration/)
- [Minimally Invasive Care](https://carequest.org/tag/minimally-invasive-care/)
- [Person-Centered Care](https://carequest.org/tag/person-centered-care/)
- [Practice Management](https://carequest.org/tag/practice-management/)
- [Special Patient Care](https://carequest.org/tag/special-patient-care/)
- [Value-Based Care](https://carequest.org/tag/value-based-care/)
- [Dental Coverage](https://carequest.org/tag/dental-coverage/)
- [Access to Care](https://carequest.org/tag/access-to-care/)