Dissecting the Dental Divide

The mouth is a fundamental part of the human body. It allows us to eat, drink, breathe, speak, smile and express ourselves. Naturally, that means oral health is connected to our broader physical health, but in the United States, medical and dental care are structurally separate. Despite their connections, the two have entirely different systems of professional training schools, insurance coverage and care networks. This is referred to as the dental divide, and it results in varied levels of access and health outcomes. The repercussions of these barriers are significant, especially for children in our most vulnerable communities.

To discuss this important topic, we are joined by Patricia Braun, MD. Dr. Braun is a primary care pediatrician at Denver Health, as well as a professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is the immediate past chair of the Section on Oral Health for the American Academy of Pediatrics, and her research focuses on oral health outcomes and program evaluation. She also currently directs the Rocky Mountain Network for Oral Health Integration.

Some highlights from this episode include:

• How to understand the dental divide
• Ways this divide leads to poor oral health for children
• Options for the medical community to combat these barriers
• What primary care providers can look for in their visits with patients

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