Missouri is currently facing a dental care shortage in rural areas, impacting both patients and healthcare providers. Dr. Lisa Bosch in Edina highlighted the strain on her practice due to the lack of dentists in surrounding counties. Dr. Michael Jones from Jefferson City emphasized the short and long-term effects of this shortage, including increased emergency room visits. To address this issue, the University of Missouri Kansas City has proposed a dentistry program focused on retention in rural communities, with plans to establish a satellite program in St. Joseph. UMKC Dean Dr. Russ Melchert stressed the importance of expanding loan repayment programs to incentivize healthcare providers to practice in underserved areas.
While community water fluoridation has been used in the past to improve oral health, it is now facing controversy. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology argues that it infringes on individual informed consent and may be harmful to humans. Despite these challenges, Dr. Bosch emphasized the importance of raising awareness about oral health overall. The future of dental care in Missouri’s rural communities will depend on a combination of increased funding, recruitment strategies, and public health efforts.
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