New National Poll Shows Overwhelming Bipartisan Support for Dental Coverage

9 in 10 Americans support better oral health access for veterans and Medicare recipients

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new national poll by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® shows broad, bipartisan support for dental coverage and strong voter interest in making oral health a policy priority.

The results reveal that dental coverage policies – including those for older or disabled adults and veterans – are among the most universally supported health policy issues.

“These findings demonstrate that Americans across the political spectrum recognize oral health as an important health care issue,” said Wade Rakes, Chief Executive Officer at CareQuest Institute. “Voters want dental care to be more accessible and affordable, especially for people that face significant barriers. This sends a powerful message that oral health should be part of the national dialogue around health care access and affordability.”

Despite long-standing, bipartisan popularity, oral health policy issues are often overlooked in broader political and health policy conversations. CareQuest Institute partnered with Marketing for Change to conduct this poll and additional voter research to examine how oral health policies resonate with voters in the current political landscape.

The results indicate that Medicare dental is a uniquely bipartisan issue, with 9 in 10 voters supporting the policy, including 96% of Democrats, 86% of Republicans, and 92% of Independents. Voters strongly believe that workers have paid into Medicare throughout their adult lives, and it is only fair that Medicare covers dental care.

Traditional Medicare does not currently include dental coverage, leaving millions of older or disabled adults without access to this critical form of care and with profound impacts on their health and well-being.

The poll findings also reinforce broad, bipartisan support for ensuring veterans can access the oral health care they need. According to the results, 96% of Democrats and 90% of Republicans support improving dental coverage through the VA so all veterans qualify for dental services.

In discussions with researchers, voters connected oral health to issues they already care about. The cost of health care, including dental care, was also a top concern. Voters saw improvements in Medicare, Medicaid, and VA dental coverage as an important step toward having more oral health care choices. They also recognized the value of preventing oral health problems before they become more serious and costly.

For more information about CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®, visit carequest.org.

About CareQuest Institute for Oral Health®
CareQuest Institute for Oral Health® is a national nonprofit championing a more equitable future where every person can reach their full potential through excellent health. We do this through our work in philanthropy, analytics and data insights, health transformation, policy and advocacy, and education as well as our leadership in dental benefits and innovation advancements. We collaborate with thought leaders, health care providers, patients, and local, state, and federal stakeholders, to accelerate oral health care transformation and create a system designed for everyone. To learn more, visit carequest.org and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.