According to a recent report from the Pew Center on the States, preventable dental conditions were the primary diagnosis in 830,590 visits to ERs nationwide in 2009, a 16 percent increase from 2006. Click here to read the report.
Turning to hospitals to address oral health needs is costly and adds to the financial burdens on the state. However, many times patients do not have a choice. In Colorado, 22 counties have designations or are partially designated as geographic Dental Health Professional Shortage (based on dentist to population ratio), and 21 are designated as low income (below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level). To see a map of Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (DHPSAs) in Colorado, click here.
A bill has been introduced in the in Colorado which seeks to offer dental benefits to pregnant women on Medicaid. You may view the bill here.
