dentists

Vulnerable and marginalized communities are getting left behind in dental deserts, where patient volume exceeds provider capacity or too few dentists are willing to serve the uninsured or those on Medicaid.

KFF Health News and CBS News recently reported that multiple lawsuits allege the device has led to grievous injuries to patients’ mouths, resulting in loss of teeth.

The investigation of the AGGA involved interviews with 11 patients who said they were hurt by the device and dental specialists who said they’d examined patients who had experienced severe complications using the AGGA.

The Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance has been used on about 10,000 patients without FDA approval or proof that it works. However, patients report irreparable harm. The inventor and manufacturer have denied all liability in court.

An online survey by the ADA showed 52 percent of dentists dealt with patients who were under the influence of marijuana, and 56 percent said they were limited in treating those patients.

A House version of the Medicaid bill includes a controversial proposed change that would bring dental services under the umbrella of the managed care plans.

Perhaps the most controversial part of the proposal, which was approved by the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee, centers on how dental services would be provided to Medicaid beneficiaries.

Some states are making dentists a lower priority than other health professionals for the vaccine — even though they have their hands in people’s mouths and are exposed to aerosols that spray germs.

Since the state allowed them to reopen, dentists have worked to treat patients under COVID-19 safety guidelines. The process hasn't been easy.