For nearly 10 years, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation has been part of a campaign for accessible, affordable oral health. Many North Carolinians live in areas where there are no nearby oral care options, or they struggle to get to the dentist or afford care in the first place.1 When landmark dentistry legislation passed in July 2021, thanks to the years-long effort of many oral health stakeholders, it removed some barriers to providing dental care in community settings. This bill makes it possible for people to receive oral care services at school or other spaces they might access more easily than a dentist's office. It also enables dental hygienists to perform more functions in these settings. For example, dental hygienists can now take X-rays and send them to a dentist in a remote location, who can then make a treatment plan remotely. For some types of dental care, the patient does not need to physically see the dentist at all.
While the passing of this bill is an important step, much can still be done to improve oral health care access. Moving forward, the Foundation’s priorities for this work include:
- Prioritizing the areas of North Carolina where people have lower access to oral health care
- Ensuring that the system supports prevention and value with a focus on preserving tooth structure by prioritizing routine care that prevents tooth decay and improves quality of life
- Reducing inequities in oral health that exist today by race, geography and income
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