Access to Oral Health Care in Central California: Qualitative Interviews of Key Informants in 18 Counties

Purpose

To describe results from an assessment on oral health care accessibility challenges for low-income residents in 18 Central California counties.

Methods

Qualitative interviews of key informants were conducted via telephone with 36 staff members from organizations or programs that provide oral health services to low-income residents. Key informant interviews were completed by investigators using a protocol that combined closed-ended and qualitative questions.

Results

The primary access barrier reported was a lack of dental providers who accept public insurance, especially among pediatric dental practices. Other access barriers reported were transportation issues, language and cultural barriers, and the availability of affordable dental care. Funding for public oral health programs and reduced Medi-Cal reimbursements were identified as the main challenges to providing care to low-income patients.

Discussion

Although the 18 counties differ demographically and geographically, there are programs in each county that seeks to provide access to oral health care for low-income Central California residents. While many of these dental programs are the only source of care for low-income residents, these programs face financial challenges amidst California's current economic crisis.