Survey: Most in U.S. favor public dental insurance

Jun 4, 2009

Two-thirds of U.S. adults think the government should step in to provide dental coverage for people who don't have it, according to a survey by Oral Health America.

The survey of a cross section of 1,011 adults was conducted by Harris Interactive between April 29 and May 3, 2009, and sponsored by the Dental Trade Alliance Foundation. Oral Health America, which commissioned the survey, advocates dental coverage for all Americans.

The survey suggested strong feelings about the importance of oral health in general and dental care specifically. Of those surveyed, 92% agreed that the lack of proper dental care can lead to overall poor health, and 81% thought that dental benefits are as important as general medical benefits.

Also, 63% of those surveyed said dental coverage belongs in healthcare reform, and 67% agreed with the statement "It is very important that the government acts to provide dental benefits to most uninsured Americans."

The figure was only slightly lower than the 69% who thought the government should provide medical benefits to the uninsured. The survey found even higher support behind benefits for children and seniors.

In an executive summary, Oral Health America argued that the survey results could be used in lobbying for a greater government role in dental care. It noted that women, young adults, and the poor are particularly likely to favor going in that direction.

"Communication and organizing strategies can leverage these passionate subgroups to build strong campaigns," the organization said. "These individuals can become the water carriers on the issues at hand and are the individuals to whom you can return most frequently, asking for action and support."

But the survey also uncovered sharp divisions of opinion about paying for such expanded care. A minority, 46%, said they were willing to pay higher premiums or taxes to provide dental care to increase the number of Americans with dental care.

The survey also revealed some anxiety about dental care. Only 54% had dental insurance, 16% had recently lost their coverage or had it reduced, 18% had some unmet dental need, and 16% had postponed going to the dentist because of fears about the economy or losing a job.