UNMET DENTAL NEEDS
Statement of Need
Understanding the critical healthcare gaps in Orange County's underserved communities and our mission to bridge them.
Understanding the critical healthcare gaps in Orange County's underserved communities and our mission to bridge them.
It is evident that within Orange County, there are many low income and homeless families unable to receive necessary healthcare. According to the Orange County United Way, the socioeconomic gap amongst these cities are growing with over one-third of the neighborhoods in Orange County being financially unstable. The local job growth has been led by low-paying service jobs, which often do not include health coverage. Moreover, there has been a direct link between financial hardships and poor health as financially struggling families do not have adequate health insurance coverage to pay for quality healthcare.
It has been assessed that low income and lack of dental insurance are inversely related to dental visits. In addition to those with low-income, homeless families in OC are in great need of attention. The Orange County United Way states that there are over 26,000 school-age children who are considered homeless or housing-insecure, and nearly 5,000 local individuals who face homelessness on any given night in Orange County. With this growing issue of homelessness, a 2017 report by the OC United Way reveals that, the OC government has spent $121 million solely for healthcare for the homeless in a 12-month period.
The issues of poverty and homelessness in these low socioeconomic communities are main drivers as to why many families cannot afford dental care. These areas in Orange County have a significant need for increased health services. Therefore, by providing a free dental clinic, many struggling families will be able to receive the wholesome healthcare they deserve.
As a pre-dental fraternity, Delta Delta Sigma will address the need for dental care in the underserved and low-income population as 44% of those who live under the poverty level are left with untreated tooth decay. From a study of patients at a health fair that offers free dental services, 71% of those seeking dental care did not visit a dentist within 1 year and of the 67% who felt they needed to go to the dentist, 67% did not go because the services cost too much.
With so many people in need of dental care, by providing a regularly open free dental clinic, it will help alleviate the large number of people searching for dental treatment. According to the American Dental Association, there are more financial barriers to dental care among the poor due to a decline in coverage in dental insurance. This has led to an increase in emergency room visits for dental conditions among young adults as fewer low-income families are able to afford a visit to the dentist.
There is a pressing need for dental care among the poor as oral health plays a large role in one's overall health. By creating a free dental clinic, we will be able to provide the underserved community with the access to dental care they need.
Join us in addressing these critical healthcare needs in our community. Your support can help us provide essential dental care to those who need it most.