Missourians’ oral health among most improved, study finds
The oral health of Missourians is among the most improved in the nation, a new study show.
The study compares dentist to patient ratios over 5 years.
Barton County has made the biggest improvements in the Show-Me State.
New Madrid County in southeast Missouri has made the least improvements.
Good oral health isn’t just about a bright smile—it’s a crucial indicator of overall well-being. From preventing cavities and gum disease to lowering the risk of serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes, maintaining healthy teeth and gums is essential.
A recent study by MyBioSource, analyzing County Health Rankings data, suggests that adult dental care accessibility has improved in the U.S. over the past five years. The study examined the number of dentists per capita and found that, nationwide, there are now 79 fewer people per dentist compared to five years ago—a promising shift toward improved dental care availability.
State-Level Improvements in Dentist Availability
Missouri has experienced among the greatest improvements in dentists per capita – the state ranked 10th overall, whereby the number of people per dentist dropped from 1,721 to 1,596, marking a 125-person improvement over five years.
Nationally, the study found that all but two states (Delaware and Rhode Island) witnessed an improvement in dentist-to-patient ratios. The most significant gains were in Mississippi, where the number of people per dentist dropped from 2,121 to 1,939, marking a 182-person improvement.
Infographic showing changes in dentist-to-patient ratios across each state
County-Level Trends
When broken down by county, the top five most improved in Missouri are:
#1 Barton: -5,951
#2 Caldwell: -4,641
#3 Mississippi: -2,772
#4 Wayne: -2,330
#5 Knox: -2,059
And the 5 least improved is:
#1 New Madrid: +9,930
#2 Chariton: +7,386
#3 Monroe: +4,320
#4 Hickory: +3,875
#5 Benton: +3,528
What This Means for Missourians
While these numbers indicate progress, disparities remain. Despite overall improvements, several areas continue to experience dental deserts, where residents struggle to access affordable and timely dental care. The expansion of dentists in underserved areas is a positive trend, but sustained investment will be needed to close the gap further.
“The findings highlight a promising shift in American dental care access but also reinforce the importance of continued support for dental education, rural health initiatives, and state-level policies that encourage dental professionals to serve high-need areas”, says a spokesperson for MyBioSource.com.