The Oral Health Response Workgroup called on Congress to ensure all states offer extensive adult dental benefits under Medicaid.
The organization is composed of several dental and healthcare organizations, including the American Dental Association, National Rural Health Association and the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health.
In its Dec. 7 statement, the workgroup said offering these benefits will promote positive health outcomes, address health inequities and curb healthcare costs.
Dental coverage for adult Medicaid beneficiaries is optional for states, the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health said, adding that 47 state Medicaid programs do not offer dental benefits sufficient to maintain optimal oral health.