Connecticut and Massachusetts were recently ranked among the best states for dental health in the U.S.
Dentaly, an oral health information site, evaluated states based on 12 metrics to create the ranking. These metrics relied on data from various sources, including the CDC and the U.S. Census Bureau, and included alcohol and sugar consumption, fluoride usage, dentist supply and oral health conditions.
Here is how dental care is evolving in these two states this year through state initiatives, legislation, DSO activity and new practices:
Connecticut
- Hackensack, N.J.-based Max Surgical Specialty Management made its first addition in Connecticut, partnering with Fairfield Oral Surgery.
- Chicago-based Aspen Dental opened a practice location in a newly constructed retail plaza in Mansfield, Conn.
- Two Connecticut dentists filed a certificate of need application to open six ASCs in the state.
- Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont signed two oral health bills. House Bill 5293 establishes an oral health and dental services unit within the state's Department of Developmental Services. House Bill 5290 streamlines the process for dentists to receive a moderation sedation or general anesthesia permit for multiple locations who already have a permit for one location. It also requires the Department of Public Health commissioner and the Connecticut Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons’ Anesthesia Committee to post a list of required equipment, personnel and emergency medications for dental facilities that administer moderate sedation, deep sedation or general anesthesia.
- Danbury, Conn.-based Archway Dental Partners acquired the Pediatric Dental Center of Avon in Connecticut.
- Sarasota, Fla.-based Dental Care Alliance partnered with the Offices of John G. Fatse, DMD, a single-location general practice located in Monroe, Conn.
- New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Dental365 acquired Shoreline Dental Associates in Guilford, Conn., and opened a new dental facility in Norwalk, Conn.
Massachusetts
- New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Dental365 acquired Legacy Dental Services Organization, its second DSO in Massachusetts.
- Irving, Texas-based U.S. Oral Surgery Management partnered with Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Inc. in Brockton, Mass.
- Dallas-based MB2 Dental added its first set of practices in Massachusetts.
- Great Neck, N.Y.-based The Smilist added two practices in Massachusetts to its network, the DSO's first expansion into the state.
- Community Health Program reopened a practice in Great Barrington, Mass.
- Sharon, Mass.-based Qualitas Dental Partners partnered with a group in Boston that specializes in oral, maxillofacial and implant surgical procedures.
- Massachusetts implemented a dental loss ratio in 2024 that aims to reform dental insurer spending.