When people think about health care, they often picture hospitals, primary care, and prescriptions. But there’s one area that’s frequently overlooked—until it becomes a crisis: dental care.
As a practicing dentist and CEO of a growing dental group, I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of access to affordable dental care can quietly erode a person’s health, confidence, and quality of life. It’s time we talk about it—not just as dentists, but as a community.
Let’s start with the reality: Dental care is expensive for many families. Insurance benefits often fall short, if they exist at all. Medicaid coverage varies widely from state to state and often leaves adults without meaningful options. For uninsured or underinsured patients, a simple toothache can spiral into a serious infection—or an emergency room visit that could have been prevented with early intervention.
And here’s the tough truth: delaying care doesn’t save money—it multiplies costs. What starts as a small cavity can grow into a root canal or extraction. A missed cleaning can turn into gum disease. And the impact isn’t just physical. Dental pain leads to missed work and school, social withdrawal, and in some cases, long-term damage to self-esteem.
So why is access still such a challenge?
Part of the issue is perception. Dentistry is still seen by many as separate from overall health—even though poor oral health is linked to heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, and more. Another part is policy. While we’ve made strides in pediatric dental coverage, adult dental care remains a blind spot in many public health initiatives.
But access isn’t just about coverage—it’s also about trust, education, and outreach. In our offices, we work hard to meet patients where they are. That means transparent pricing, flexible payment options, and a team that helps patients navigate their benefits and understand their treatment plans. We also offer specials for new patients and work with programs designed to support those in financial hardship.
Still, real change requires more than just practice-level solutions. We need broader awareness, smarter public policy, and community partnerships that bring care to those who need it most—especially in underserved areas.
If you’re reading this and have delayed dental care because of cost, you’re not alone. But don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable. Many offices, including ours, offer options that can make care more manageable than you might think.
And if you’re someone who wants to help—consider supporting organizations that provide dental services to those in need. Advocate for expanded dental coverage in your community. And remember that access to dental care isn’t a luxury—it’s a vital part of health equity.
Let’s work together to make sure everyone has the chance to smile with confidence, regardless of their income or insurance.
Dr. Ivan Montijo is the co-founder and CEO of Stride Dental Group. He has offices in Lake Nona, Sanford, Orlando, and Debary. He believes prevention is the most powerful tool in dentistry and is passionate about community health education.