As we near the end of February, we would be remiss not to highlight the significance of National Children’s Dental Health Month. At Wellfit, we are driven by improving oral healthcare access by removing financial barriers and we recognize the value of instilling good oral health habits from an early age.
Despite the widespread understanding of the importance of early dental care among US adults, financial constraints often hinder electing care. Providing care for patients requires understanding that families face financial challenges of varying degrees, especially those with limited income or without dental insurance. Receiving optimal oral health is currently trending in a concerning direction for our young patients.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies cavities as the leading chronic childhood infectious disease and only 50% of children 0-18 visited the dentist in 2021.
- More than half of children aged 6 to 8 have experienced cavities in their baby (primary) teeth.
- Children aged 5 to 19 from low-income families are twice as likely to have cavities compared to their higher-income counterparts.
- Additionally, over 2 million children lost medical and dental coverage in October 2023 due to Medicaid cuts.
There is significant room for improvement to support children, especially for limited and low-income families who face higher incidences of cavities and reduced means to afford treatment.
To address this barrier to receiving care, Wellfit offers Dental Plans specifically designed for children that dental offices can adopt. These plans, while not insurance, provide young patients with necessary care for restorative care and routine maintenance at a reduced, transparent fee. Additionally, we offer affordable plans for a family and Financing MarketPlace to cover out-of-pocket costs, ensuring families have options available to afford necessary dental services. Our financial solutions allow families to anticipate cost and ensure patients have avenues to receive optimal oral healthcare.
Join Wellfit in the commitment to ensuring every child enjoys a lifetime of optimal oral health. Contact us to explore how our solutions can help you facilitate healthier smiles in your office.