07 February 2025

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Benevis Highlights Emergent Oral Health Coverage Needs for Children’s Dental Health Month

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Benevis has issued a call to action to expand Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligibility and ensure vulnerable U.S. children continue to receive coverage for dental health needs in 2025 and beyond. As a leading dental healthcare and orthodontics delivery organization committed to providing quality care to underserved communities, Benevis is steadfast in advocating for programs and legislation that ensure all families have access to the oral healthcare they need and deserve.

In the U.S., 38% of children ages zero-18 have dental benefits through Medicaid or CHIP. Of that government-sponsored insurance population, the American Dental Association found that only 47% of children saw a dentist in the last 12 months. Social determinants of health (SDOH), such as socioeconomic status and race, have been recognized as major contributors to oral diseases in children.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research goes on to share that children from vulnerable populations have less access to oral health care and generally experience more dental caries. This data reveals the significant unmet oral health treatment needs for U.S. children.

“The landscape of dental insurance coverage continues to evolve for U.S. families. Nevertheless, we must remember what is at the heart of this issue – children’s health,” explained Bryan Carey, CEO, Benevis. “Government leaders should prioritize oral health just as they do physical health. It’s vital to ensure equitable access to quality oral care, breaking down Medicaid and CHIP coverage barriers—especially in underserved and marginalized communities where the impact of limited oral healthcare is most profound.”

Also common for children is the prevalence of dental caries, also known as cavities. Half of children (50%) aged six to nine years old have had cavities in their primary (baby) or permanent teeth; children of the same age group from low-income households are two times more likely (25%) to have untreated cavities than children from high-income households (10%); and one in 10 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years old have at least one untreated cavity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Educating families about the importance of oral hygiene is one of the most impactful ways our care teams can help prevent tooth decay,” shared Dr. Jane Whang, regional director of clinical at Benevis. “For children and their families, the importance of early intervention and oral health education is critical to ensuring a lifetime of happy, healthy smiles.”

About Benevis

Benevis is a leading dental healthcare delivery organization for practices focused on delivering life-changing oral care and orthodontics to underserved communities.

Through comprehensive care and operational services that expand access to dentistry, Benevis has a 20-year history of providing the highest quality care to approximately 5 million children and adults.

Its network reaches more than 100 locally branded dental offices across the U.S. that deliver treatment through 1.4 million visits each year. Benevis also advocates for programs and legislation that ensure all families have access to the oral healthcare they need and deserve.

Source: www.benevis.com