Despite numerous advances in medical care, achieving equitable access to dental care remains achievable, with 1 in 3 U.S. adolescents lacking preventive dental care, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. I haven't been able to do it.
ATLANTA, Ga., March 14, 2024 (Globe Newswire) — A leading dental and orthodontic provider organization committed to providing quality care to underserved communities. One Benevis announced the publication of the report “The Impact of Neglected Adolescent Dental Care on Adult Health.” . This paper supports World Oral Health Day this year, March 20, 2024, and clinical engagement to strengthen active dental health habits and orthodontic care between the ages of 12 and 19 to impact the oral cavity. highlights relevant research and data regarding the ongoing needs of individuals and families. It maintains health status into adulthood and has a significant impact on the overall health and well-being of all patient populations.
Many oral diseases and adverse health behaviors that are managed by adults begin during adolescence. Approximately 57% of adolescents have had cavities in their permanent teeth, and this is a preventable disease. Tooth decay not only affects permanent teeth during childhood and adolescence, but also negatively affects the ability to eat and speak, which are important for physical and psychosocial health. Older adults between the ages of 16 and 19 are more likely to have tooth decay, and people from low-income households are twice as likely to have untreated tooth decay than people from high-income households. Harmful behaviors that negatively impact oral health, such as eating habits, smoking, vaping, and drug use, also become more common during adolescence.
In the United States, social determinants of health (SDOH) include risk factors directly associated with poor oral health and are thought to be due to social, economic, and geographic barriers. Research has proven that 22% of young people from low-income households are twice as likely to have untreated tooth decay compared to young people from non-low-income households. The same report found that non-Hispanic black (20%) and Mexican American (21%) youth were more likely to experience untreated tooth decay than non-Hispanic white (16%) youth. Ta. Expanding access to equitable oral health care to support dental disparities during this critical stage of life is essential to youth health and well-being.
Brian Carey, CEO of Benevis, said: “Quality dental care should be easy to access, especially when needed, but millions of young people struggle with lack of treatment and dental hygiene resources and poor health. “We are facing a lack of education to create beautiful smiles.” “As adolescents approach adulthood or move away from the support of their parents' dental insurance, it becomes even more important to establish strong oral health habits that can be maintained for a lifetime. This effort begins at home and at the dentist's office. -Ongoing relationships with dental health care providers–to prevent the early onset of dental disease and teach healthy behaviors.”
Benevis is proud of its 20-year history of expanding access to affordable care to underserved communities, with approximately 500 employees, including 82% enrolled in Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program plans. We provide the highest quality care to millions of children and adults. With the expansion of routine dental care services, orthodontic treatment has also become a priority for the organization. Benevis recently announced that in 2023 he will open eight orthodontic offices and expand his services to support patient orthodontic treatment and care to 90 locations nationwide. The organization also introduced an orthocalculator to provide patients, families and caregivers with a visual tool to better understand potential payment and financing options.
Some patients are interested in braces for cosmetic reasons, but many are not He said there is a real clinical need. “Some patients have very dense clumps that prevent teeth from coming in, have impacted teeth, or require jaw growth to make room, so plaque can build up in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush or floss. “Some people are at increased risk, leading to tooth decay,” he explained. “As an orthodontist, I educate parents and patients about what's going on, what we do, and why we do more than just color your teeth. Healthy Smiles Education is essential to maintain this.”
For more information, please read our white paper, The Impact of Neglected Adolescent Dental Care on Adult Health.
About Benevis
Benevis is a dental care delivery organization focused on providing life-changing oral care and orthodontics to underserved communities. Benevis has a 20-year history of providing the highest quality care to approximately 5 million children and adults through comprehensive care and operational services that expand access to dentistry. Her network extends to more than 100 locally branded dental clinics across the United States, providing care to 1.4 million visitors each year. Benevis also advocates for programs and legislation to ensure all families have access to the oral health care they need and deserve. For more information, please visit Benevis.com.
CONTACT: Alison Matthiessen SVM PR for Benevis 401-490-9700 benevis@svmpr.com
