Senator Bernie Sanders, long known for advocating universal health care through Medicare, now aims to broaden dental coverage for all Americans.
In May, the Vermont Independent introduced the Comprehensive Dental Care Reform Act of 2024. This bill seeks to extend dental coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, and the Veterans Administration. Currently under review by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, the legislation would establish federal funding to boost the number of dentists, dental hygienists, and dental therapists in the U.S., partly by training dental students through community-based dental residencies.
Senator Sanders recently discussed with USA TODAY the need to reform the country’s dental care system and his reasons for pushing for expanded coverage. Below are highlights from the conversation.
USA TODAY: Your Senate Committee recently held a hearing on dental care in the United States. Why is this topic important?
Sanders: We’re trying to highlight that dental care in America is in crisis. While most people recognize that our health care system is broken and expensive, the same awareness doesn’t extend to dental care. Dental care in the U.S. is extremely costly, and many dentists refuse Medicaid reimbursement due to low rates or other reasons. We lack enough dentists, especially in underserved areas. While you may find sufficient dentists on Park Avenue in New York City, rural and low-income areas are severely underserved.
USA TODAY: How does the lack of dental care impact vulnerable populations?
Sanders: As a result, 40% of American kids experience tooth decay by Kindergarten. Nearly one in five seniors have lost all their natural teeth and many cannot afford dentures. I’ve met people in Vermont missing front teeth, struggling to find jobs. Millions of Americans suffer similarly, leading to situations where volunteer dentists come together, and people wait for hours or overnight to get painful teeth extracted. Fundamental changes in dental care are clearly needed. Health care, including dental care, should be a human right.
USA TODAY: Do those with dental insurance receive adequate coverage?
Sanders: Many people with significant dental issues, like needing an implant or root canal, find that their insurance only covers a fraction of the cost. We need to address the high cost of dental care. When you visit a dentist and are told you need several procedures, the resulting bill can be around $5,000. This raises the question: why is dental care so expensive?
USA TODAY: The Affordable Care Act expanded medical care but not dental care. Why is that?
Sanders: The American healthcare system is flawed and prioritizes profits for insurance and drug companies over quality care. This system leaves ordinary Americans struggling. Unlike other major countries, the U.S. does not guarantee health care to all its people.
USA TODAY: What are the prospects for the Comprehensive Dental Care Reform Act of 2024? Are there smaller steps that can be taken in the meantime?
Sanders: The VA generally provides good health care for our veterans but doesn’t include dental care. We are exploring pilot projects to address this. Major veterans groups like the American Legion and the VFW support expanding dental care through the VA. Polling shows over 90% of Americans favor expanding Medicare to cover dental, hearing, and vision care. I’ve introduced legislation to achieve this, reflecting an urgent and popular need among the American public.