The lack of provider access is the top barrier keeping adult Medicaid beneficiaries from visiting the dentist more frequently, according to a report from the American Dental Association.
More than half of adult Medicaid beneficiaries surveyed in the ADA's report had not been to the dentist within the past 12 months.
Fifty-one percent of beneficiaries reported that they had not been to a dentist within the past year, with nearly 60% of beneficiaries citing accessibility issues.
A total of 2,467 Medicaid beneficiaries across eight states responded to the survey.
Here are the top reasons why adult Medicaid beneficiaries have not seen a dentist within the past 12 months:
Note: Respondents could select more than one response.
Provider access: 59%
Affordability: 39%
Fear or anxiety: 33%
No perceived need: 19%
Other: 7%