Last Updated on January 15, 2025 by Bharat Saini
Dental decay is the most prevalent health issue among children in the United States, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Despite common belief that asthma is the leading children’s health problem, new reports confirm that dental decay surpasses asthma, with far-reaching consequences for children’s health, learning abilities, and overall well-being. However, despite these findings, pediatric dental care continues to be a critical issue that is not addressed in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), leaving millions of children at risk.
The Impact of Dental Decay on Children’s Health
Untreated dental decay in children not only leads to painful cavities but also hinders a child’s ability to concentrate in school. Constant toothaches and missed school days result in lower academic performance and can even cause long-term emotional distress. According to the ADA, nearly one in every four children has untreated cavities by the time they enter kindergarten, underscoring the urgent need for proactive dental care.
It’s vital to remember that children can’t prioritize their health the way adults might. While an adult might postpone a dentist’s appointment due to work commitments, children’s dental issues are much harder to ignore—they lead to irritability, lack of concentration, and missed educational opportunities.
Why Pediatric Dental Care Was Left Out of ACA
The Affordable Care Act, which aimed to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, did include several provisions for children’s health. However, pediatric dental care was left out of the ten essential health benefits, pushing the responsibility for children’s dental care coverage onto individual states. As a result, millions of children will go without dental coverage in the coming years—leaving parents to bear the entire cost.
While Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) do provide dental coverage in some states, many ACA marketplace plans do not automatically cover dental benefits for children, leaving families with a difficult choice: buy supplemental dental insurance or face substantial out-of-pocket costs.
The Importance of Pediatric Dental Care Coverage
As the president of the American Dental Association (ADA) aptly said, pediatric dental care should be part of the essential health benefits under ACA. If dental care were automatically included in ACA plans, it would have made preventive care accessible for all children, potentially avoiding costly and complicated procedures later in life.
Currently, almost 99% of dental insurance plans are sold separately from regular health insurance, creating a financial burden for many families. Without the inclusion of pediatric dental care in essential health services, parents must shoulder the responsibility, many times without knowing where to seek affordable options.
Community-Based Dental Campaigns and Their Impact
With the absence of pediatric dental coverage in the ACA, the American Dental Association (ADA) has taken action to bridge this gap by offering community-based dental campaigns. Programs like “Give Kids a Smile” provide free dental care for children in underserved communities, reaching over half a million children nationwide. This event is a testament to the importance of community-based support, yet it is clear that the federal government needs to step in to provide better, systematic coverage for children’s dental needs.
Many advocacy groups continue to urge policymakers to include pediatric dental care as part of ACA’s essential services. Through policy advocacy, professional recommendations, and community-based initiatives, the ADA and other organizations are hoping to make a difference before dental decay becomes an even greater issue for children’s health.
What Parents Can Do to Ensure Their Child’s Dental Health
In the absence of federal protection through ACA, parents must take on the responsibility of securing affordable pediatric dental care. Fortunately, there are a number of options to help manage costs:
1. Look for Affordable Dental Insurance for Kids
While it might not be included in regular healthcare plans, there are family dental insurance plans that cover children’s dental services. You can research programs that include preventive care (such as cleanings and check-ups) and restorative services (like fillings or treatments for cavities) under family policies. Shop around and compare plans to find the best family dental insurance that fits your budget.
2. Utilize Local Nonprofits or Clinics
Nonprofit organizations often offer low-cost or free dental check-ups and procedures for children, especially for preventive care like cleanings and fluoride treatments. Many areas also have school-based dental programs, making dental care more accessible during school hours. Parents should take advantage of community dental outreach programs whenever possible.
3. Teach Good Oral Hygiene Early On
Preventive care is the cornerstone of good dental health. Start brushing your child’s teeth early (even before they have teeth) and encourage them to follow a healthy oral hygiene routine—brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting the dentist at least twice a year. Good habits will pay off by reducing the risk of cavities and more severe dental issues down the road.
The Urgency of Including Pediatric Dental Care in the ACA
It’s clear that pediatric dental care needs to be treated as an essential service, and millions of parents and children continue to feel the brunt of this issue. Although significant strides have been made by organizations such as the ADA and community-based campaigns, it’s important that the federal government acts to include pediatric dental care in the ten essential benefits under the ACA, making it universally accessible and affordable.
By addressing this coverage gap, we could significantly reduce long-term healthcare costs while improving the overall health and success of our youngest generations.
Conclusion
As healthcare evolves, it’s essential for parents to be proactive in securing dental care for their children. Whether through exploring affordable dental insurance plans, taking part in community-based dental programs, or establishing a solid foundation of good oral hygiene, ensuring access to pediatric dental care is crucial for a healthier future.
Advocating for changes in policy is a collective responsibility. Let’s continue to push for policy changes that guarantee pediatric dental care becomes a part of comprehensive healthcare reform for every child.
