DentaQuest has contributed $115,000 to help fund free pop-up dental clinics in the US since the start of 2022.
As part of its commitment to uplifting underserved communities and expanding access to dental care, DentaQuest this year has continued its support of free health care services to individuals in need at Missions of Mercy and similar pop-up clinics across the United States.
Since the start of 2022, DentaQuest contributed $115,000 to help fund 13 clinics that provided free dental care to nearly 10,000 patients.
Free dental care days are often state-based and organized by state dental associations and their foundations, or organizations like Missions of Mercy and Remote Area Medical USA.
These groups support local dentist community efforts, reinforcing the relationship between provider and patient, and enlist volunteers to help provide free health services including dental care to residents who are un- or underinsured and people who fall through the cracks’ of the healthcare system.
DentaQuest has supported free dental care days for over 12 years, contributing more than $1 million and many volunteer hours..
“The services that a pop-up clinic provides unfortunately remain incredibly important to ensuring all people can access dental care,” said Steve Pollock, president of DentaQuest. “At DentaQuest, we know first-hand the challenges individuals face when accessing dental coverage, which is why supporting these free care clinics is essential for millions of people – right now. The goal, however, is to eliminate the necessity of these clinics by systematically expanding dental benefits to everyone.”
In the US, an estimated 76.5 million adults lack access to dental insurance, three times the number of adults who lack health insurance. Uninsured people face a multitude of barriers including socioeconomic factors, racial inequity, transportation, language, cultural disconnects and more.
A recent survey conducted by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health found that 29% of adults cited lack of insurance as a reason to avoid future dental care, 27% cited cost, 18% cited the COVID-19 pandemic, 11% said they had no reason to go, and 9% cited dental anxiety.
“Pop-up clinics are providing necessary preventive and restorative dental care, but it’s only the first step,” said Steve. “Improving the oral health of all means providing access to dental care for all. At DentaQuest, we envision a future where these missions are no longer the sole solution to expanding dental care access and people nationwide can feel secure when scheduling their next dental appointment.”
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