HJAR Jul/Aug 2024

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  JUL / AUG 2024 47 Niki Carter, DMD, MPH Dental Director Delta Dental of Arkansas and over half would trust the care received through these digital platforms. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Mil- lennials, are more likely to engage in and trust teledentistry services compared to older adults. Teledentistry offers a convenient and ac- cessible option for receiving oral healthcare, especially for those in underserved com- munities. It enables patients to receive con- sultations, evaluations, and advice remotely, leveraging technology to bridge gaps in tra- ditional dental care access. Conclusion The “2024 State of America's Oral Health andWellness Report”provides encouraging insights into the nation's oral health land- scape. The increasing recognition of the link between oral and overall health, the rise in preventive care practices, and the growing coverage of dental insurance all point to a positive trend in public health. Howev- er, continued efforts are needed to further educate and engage all demographics, en- suring that these positive trends translate into sustained health improvements across the population. The integration of teleden- tistry also presents a promising avenue for expanding access to care and enhancing overall health outcomes. n ABOUT THE RESEARCH Delta Dental Plans Association commissioned a third-party market research firm, Material Hold- ings, LLC, to undertake research that formed the basis for this report. Material conducted its re- search between Jan. 3 and Jan. 17, 2024, using an email invitation and online surveys of two au- diences recruited through an opt-in panel: 1,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+ and 1,000 parents of children ages 12 and under. Geographic distribution quotas were set to ensure a reliable and accurate representa- tion of the U.S. population of adults and par- ents with children ages 12 and under. Research in this report has a margin of error of +/- 3%. is accompanied by a decrease in unexpected dental visits, suggesting that more people are taking proactive steps to maintain their oral health. The motivation for these preven- tive visits is largely driven by the desire to avoid more serious dental issues and maxi- mize dental insurance benefits. Dental insurance plays a crucial role in encouraging preventive care. Adults with dental coverage are significantly more likely to visit the dentist for preventive care than those without coverage (83% vs. 58%). This finding underscores the importance of den- tal insurance in facilitating access to nec- essary oral health services and promoting overall health. Increasing dental insurance coverage The report highlights a noteworthy in- crease in dental insurance coverage among adults, reaching a five-year high of 65%. This increase reflects a broader trend of priori- tizing dental health as part of overall health management and demonstrates how den- tal insurance not only supports oral health, but also provides financial security. Nearly 88% of adults believe that dental insurance makes them less worried about dental emer- gencies, and 85% agree that it helps save money in the long run. Parents continue to prioritize dental cov- erage for their children, with nearly 88% ensuring their children are covered. This emphasis on dental insurance is crucial for maintaining good oral health from a young age and establishing lifelong healthy habits. The rise of teledentistry Another significant trend highlighted in the report is the growing acceptance and use of teledentistry. Nearly half of adults indi- cated they would use teledentistry services, efforts to further bridge knowledge gaps across different age groups. Oral hygiene and mental health Proper oral hygiene is also recognized for its impact on mental health. Over 90% of adults believe that maintaining good oral health enhances their confidence, and 77% agree that it is closely connected to men- tal well-being. Poor oral health can lead to significant mental health consequences, in- cluding anxiety, loss of sleep, and feelings of embarrassment. Approximately 21% of adults reported experiencing anxiety due to dental issues, while 18% felt embarrassed about their appearance. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are more likely to report mental health impacts due to oral health problems. This demographic is also more open to discussing these issues, reflecting broader societal trends towards destigma- tizing mental health concerns. Parents also express concern about their children's oral health affecting their confidence, with 67% somewhat worried about this impact. Adherence to preventive oral healthcare The report indicates a positive trend in preventive oral healthcare practices among adults. More individuals are adhering to recommended oral hygiene habits to pre- vent serious dental and financial repercus- sions. Approximately 75% of adults meet the American Dental Association's guidelines for at-home oral hygiene habits — including brushing, rinsing, and flossing — and note that they are motivated by the desire to pre- vent cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. Preventive dental visits have also in- creased, with 83% of adults reporting such visits in 2023, up from 78% in 2022. This rise