One in Three Young Adults Skip Dental Care, Highlighting Public Health Concerns

A recent study underscores a significant public health issue: nearly one-third of young adults in the United States have not visited a dentist within the past year. Conducted by researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and published in Frontiers in Oral Health, the research highlights barriers to dental care that extend beyond mere cost, emphasizing broader societal and individual challenges.

Dental health remains a critical component of overall well-being, yet in the U.S., dental insurance coverage is often excluded from general health plans, and preventive dental services are not consistently integrated into public health initiatives. This gap in access and coverage disproportionately affects young adults aged 18 to 35, who report higher rates of missed dental visits compared to other age groups, owing to factors such as affordability, insurance status, housing instability, and mental health issues.

Yu-Hua Yu, an associate professor at Tufts and the study’s lead author, analyzed data from nearly 128,000 adults sourced from the NIH’s All of Us program. Her findings reveal that young adults who skip dental visits are also more likely to forgo medical care, struggle with copays, rely on emergency services, and report mental health or cognitive problems. Notably, this demographic often faces additional socioeconomic challenges, including racial disparities and unstable housing, which compound their difficulty accessing consistent care.

The research emphasizes that while older adults tend to have better insurance coverage and homeownership, they also face more physical disabilities that hinder access. Conversely, younger adults, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, exhibit behaviors and circumstances that discourage routine dental care, with long-term health implications.

Yu advocates for integrating dental health into primary healthcare systems, expanding public insurance options, and using community-based approaches—such as faith and community organizations—to reach at-risk youth. Tailoring interventions to life stages and socioeconomic statuses is essential to bridge the current disparities.

In conclusion, improving access to preventive dental care for young adults is vital for safeguarding their health and productivity. Implementing policies that promote oral health equity can help reduce barriers and foster healthier communities.