Despite efforts to improve access to oral health services in the US, oral health disparities persist for many vulnerable population groups, including children. Children are especially vulnerable to not receiving health or oral health services because they are dependent on others to arrange appointments and provide transportation to services. Researchers at the OHWRC collaborated with the Health Workforce Research Center at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) to survey parents about the factors that affect access to oral health services for their children.

This report highlights unique access barriers for specific high-need children (racial/ethnic minorities, low-income parents, uninsured families, Medicaid beneficiaries, rural individuals) or geographic regions.