October is Dental Hygiene Month, and Mid-State is emphasizing the importance of oral health and the struggles that come with providing oral care in rural areas. Dentists and dental hygienists are essential healthcare providers as the health of your mouth is fundamental to overall well-being. Cavities, tooth loss, and gum disease can have a drastic impact on a person’s health and their quality of life, however accessibility to dental care in rural areas is severely lacking.
Mid-State Health Center is one of the few dental practices in the surrounding communities, and while they attempt to provide care for all community members they struggle to keep up with demand, especially when faced with the challenge of attracting and retaining dental providers in the area.
“Many people are actively looking for dental care and attempting to be proactive with their oral health, but many practices aren’t accepting patients or are booking months out for appointments, Said Dr. Kelly Perry, DMD. “A limited number of dental professionals in rural areas means fewer preventive care and treatment opportunities, which can be detrimental to patients who need immediate services.”
Many don’t receive the care they need due to many factors, limited access, financial constraints, shortages of dental professionals, or even lower dental insurance coverage. Lack of accessibility to oral care is a common trend in rural areas; according to the CDC, as of 2024, approximately 57 million Americans live in a dental health professional shortage area, with 67% of those shortage areas in rural communities. Because of this, rural residents are more likely to experience higher rates of tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss when compared to their urban counterparts.
Mid-State Health aims to close the gaps in accessibility, with two dental locations, select school programs, and sliding scales for those who qualify. However, they are still struggling to retain dental talent and are actively looking for dental professionals who are passionate about making a difference in our community.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining a dedicated and supportive team reach out to Mid-State Health’s Human Resources Team at careers@midstatehealth.org. Investing in rural oral health is not just a matter of equity, it’s a critical step towards building healthier, more resilient communities.
About Mid-State Health Center
Mid-State Health Center delivers primary care and supportive services at locations in Bristol, Plymouth, and Lincoln, offering medical services, dental services, behavioral health counseling, physical and occupational therapy, imaging, infusion, recovery, and care management for the entire family. The mission of Mid-State Health Center is to provide sound primary health care to the community accessible to all regardless of the ability to pay.