The rate at which Vermont has lost dental providers over the last few years has led to poor oral health among residents, vtdigger reported Nov. 21.
Six notes:
1. Voices for Vermont’s Children, a nonprofit child policy research and advocacy group, published a report earlier this month detailing oral health disparities in the state.
2. According to the report, Vermont is losing dentists at a faster rate than almost every other state. It went from having nearly 60 dentists per 100,000 residents in 2019 down to 53 dentists per 100,000 residents in 2023.
3. The number of hygienists practicing in the state also declined by about 4% between 2015 and 2021.
4. The Vermont Department of Health currently only has one hygienist, compared to five before the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. The state also has made slow progress in adding dental therapists and inexpensive, non-invasive dental procedures.
6. Voices for Vermont’s Children recommended several solutions to improve oral health in the state, including investing in low-cost facilities and procedures and integrating dental facilities with primary care facilities.