Key Highlights
- $45 billion lost annually due to untreated dental disease in the US.
- 243 million work/school hours lost each year among adults due to oral health problems.
- Significant impact on low-income families, those without dental insurance, and individuals with less education.
- Caregivers and parents also face lost productivity, with millions of hours lost to children’s and adults’ dental issues.
- Urgent need for equitable access to oral and overall health care highlighted.
Source: Business Wire
Notable Quote
- “No one should have to sacrifice their schedule or pay because of preventable health issues. This new report underscores the urgency of promoting equitable access to oral and overall health care, particularly for those with lower incomes and education levels.” – Myechia Minter-Jordan, MD, MBA, President and CEO at CareQuest Institute
SoHC's Take
The recent findings from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® shed light on a grave but often overlooked aspect of public health: the economic and social toll of neglected oral health. The staggering loss of over 243 million work and school hours annually in the US, accompanied by an estimated financial burden of $45 billion, underscores the critical need for systemic change. This situation disproportionately affects those in lower socioeconomic brackets, further exacerbating health inequities. The report not only highlights the personal pain and disruption caused by untreated dental issues but also calls attention to the broader societal implications, including the strain on caregivers and the ripple effects through communities. In response, it is imperative to champion initiatives that ensure universal access to oral health care, particularly for the most vulnerable populations. This approach is not only a matter of public health but a necessary step towards a more just and equitable society.
