Tompkins County Survey Reveals Disparities in Youth Dental Care, Highlights Need for Expanded Access | Personal Health

ITHACA, N.Y. — A recent survey by Tompkins County Whole Health (TCWH) has revealed significant disparities in access to oral health care for children, even as the majority of families report practicing positive dental hygiene habits.  

The findings, released Thursday to coincide with World Oral Health Day, will be used to shape local initiatives aimed at improving oral health and expanding access to dental care in Tompkins County. 

The 2024 Oral Health Survey, conducted between February and April of last year, received 645 responses from residents across the county. Its primary focus was to assess the state of children’s oral health, while also examining overall dental habits, fluoride use, and access to care. 

“The results will play a key role in shaping initiatives to improve oral health and ensure better access to dental care for all,” Tompkins County Whole Health said in a statement announcing the results. 

According to the survey, about 60% of parents said their children maintain a regular dental care routine, such as brushing twice daily, and 82% reported that their children receive fluoride treatment from a dentist or pediatrician. Additionally, 80% of respondents believe fluoride is beneficial to teeth. 

However, the survey also identified groups of parents—particularly those with younger children—who are unaware of the safety and effectiveness of fluoride. In response, TCWH has pledged to address this knowledge gap by educating families about the preventative benefits of fluoride. 

“Fluoride plays a crucial role in preventing tooth decay and promoting strong, healthy teeth,” TCWH stated. “That’s why it is a key part of our approach to improving children’s dental health.” 

Despite these positive behaviors, the data also highlighted serious challenges related to access. Nearly half of respondents said they have had to travel outside the county—sometimes an hour or more—to find dental care for their children. More than half reported difficulty finding a dentist locally, citing issues ranging from insurance acceptance to a lack of pediatric specialists. 

Of those who faced difficulties, 40% said they had trouble finding a dentist who accepted their child’s insurance, and 36% struggled to locate a pediatric dentist in the area. Another 10% noted problems getting reliable information about local dental providers. 

“Many families report that they are unable to find dentists who accept Medicaid,” TCWH noted. “Low Medicaid reimbursement rates make it very challenging for dentists to provide the necessary care for children covered by Medicaid.” 

For uninsured or underinsured families, these access issues can lead to infrequent dental visits, worsening oral health outcomes for children and further entrenching disparities in care. 

The findings were formally accepted by the Tompkins County Board of Health during its Feb. 25 meeting. Board members unanimously expressed support for efforts to improve children’s oral health and pledged to work with TCWH to address the issues identified. 

As a next step, TCWH is actively seeking partnerships with local individuals and organizations to develop solutions. The agency has also shared the report with the 6th District Dental Society, which represents many of the region’s dental professionals, and has invited their involvement in collaborative efforts to improve access. 

“Whole Health is sharing this information not only with the public but with individuals and organizations in the County in an effort to form partnerships that can arrive at solutions to the problem areas identified,” the statement read. 

TCWH plans to promote oral health awareness at community events and through social media, hoping to engage more residents and organizations in the conversation.