What Does Barriers to Care Mean?
Oral health can only be of benefit to those who have the ability to access it. In America and beyond, barriers to care remain. Whether it's financial barriers, disabilities, geographical isolation, or their dental health is relatively forgotten under a myriad of other health needs, patients are left with serious conditions that threaten their overall systemic health and quality of life. These patients may need transportation, oral health education or financial incentives in order to access their dental needs. Often education, language, cultural or ethnic barriers only add to their unfortunate situation. Below are resources to educate ASDA members on this critical issue in health care.
ASDA’s Position
Resolution 305-RC-2011 Defining Dental Access
Aaron Bumann, a dental student at the University of Minnesota and ASDA’s Western Regional Legislative Coordinator, recently wrote an article about the term “barriers to care.” In this article he provides background to the resolution that passed at the House of Delegates during ASDA’s 2011 Annual Session. To view the article, click here.
Resources
Dr. William Calnon, ADA President, speaks about barriers to care in the Nov. 15, 2011 PBS NewsHour interview called “Millions of Americans Face Life Without Dental Care.” Watch it here.