NURS FPX 6008 Assessment 1 Identifying a Local Health Care Economic Issue

• NURS FPX 6008 Assessment 1: Health Care Economic Issue

Identifying a Local Healthcare Economic Issue

Access to oral health care remains a persistent challenge for many adults in the United States, particularly those in underserved populations. This issue is highlighted in NURS FPX 6008 Assessment 1 Health Care Economic Issue and affects individuals from low-income backgrounds, racial or ethnic minorities, immigrants, and those in rural areas (Mary E. Northridge, 2020). Data reveals significant disparities—29% of Hispanics have received dental care compared to white non-Hispanic individuals (Health, 2023). Additionally, 40% of non-Hispanic Black adults, especially those with low income, are living with untreated tooth decay (Prevention C. f., 2021).

Explore NURS FPX 6210 Assessment 1 Care Setting Environmental Analysis for more information.

The Impact of Poor Oral Health

Broader Health Implications

Poor oral health is more than just a dental issue—it is a gateway to broader medical concerns. Among Hispanic and African American populations in Queens, New York, untreated dental problems can escalate into periodontal disease, infections, chronic pain, and abscesses. Beyond the mouth, these conditions can lead to diabetes, heart disease, low birth weight in infants, chronic pulmonary disease, and even cancer (Elliot Abt, 2021).

Oral health issues also affect the quality of life. They can hinder social interactions, alter eating habits, and contribute to mental health struggles like depression and isolation (Assari, 2018).

Why Oral Health Care is an Economic Issue

Affordable and accessible preventive dental care is vital for reducing health disparities, particularly in vulnerable communities (Mary E. Northridge, 2020). Dental visits can detect and prevent severe conditions through screenings for hypertension, gingival inflammation, and oral cancers. These interventions save lives by addressing the critical connection between oral health and overall well-being.

As someone with extensive experience in the dental field, I have witnessed how timely diagnosis and care can avert life-threatening conditions. The importance of dental education and expanding access to affordable care cannot be overstated.

Barriers to Dental Care

Financial Obstacles

Dental care is often the most financially inaccessible aspect of healthcare (Research, 2021). Many individuals face a tough choice between paying for dental treatment and meeting other essential needs. Even government-aided programs like Medicaid and Medicare fall short, with only 13.8% of dental specialists verified as providers for Medicaid (Sun, 2021).

Workforce Shortages

The shortage of dental professionals exacerbates the problem. Many providers limit Medicaid patients due to low reimbursement rates, leaving gaps in care for those who need it most. The scarcity of dental assistants and hygienists further strains the system, reducing appointment availability and increasing wait times.

Discrimination and Stigma

Discrimination based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status also hinders access to dental care (Baldassarre et al., 2020). Biases among healthcare providers can result in inadequate treatment and worsening disparities for underserved populations.

Effects on Communities and Organizations

The prevalence of dental issues like periodontal disease and caries disproportionately impacts underserved communities, as noted in NURS FPX 6008 Assessment 1 Health Care Economic Issue. Workforce shortages and economic pressures within dental organizations create operational challenges, such as reduced hours and strained resources.

Patients often avoid seeking necessary treatments due to high costs or limited access, leading to worsened conditions that require more extensive—and expensive—interventions.

Oral Health Challenges in Queens

In Queens, limited access to oral healthcare disproportionately affects Hispanic and African American populations. Statistics show that one in four adults aged 65 and older in New York City has no teeth (Oral Health, 2023). This alarming figure highlights the consequences of untreated oral diseases and the financial constraints that prevent timely care.

The economic burden of high copays, limited insurance coverage, and expensive treatments exacerbates health disparities, lowering the standard of living for affected individuals (Assari, 2018).

Challenges of Affordable Dentistry

Difficult Choices

Dental care often takes a backseat to other necessities for individuals on limited incomes. Tooth pain, chewing difficulties, and self-esteem issues caused by missing teeth are common consequences.

Escalating Issues

Neglecting oral health can lead to severe complications, such as infections that require hospitalization or tooth extractions. Preventive care and regular maintenance, which could address these problems early, are often delayed or ignored due to financial constraints (Incline, 2021).

Considering Solutions

To address the disparities in oral healthcare, several strategies must be implemented:

1. Increase Access: Expand government-funded dental programs and improve Medicaid acceptance rates among providers.
2. Recruit Dental Professionals: Offer incentives like loan forgiveness and competitive salaries to attract dentists and hygienists to underserved areas.
3. Educate Communities: Raise awareness about the importance of oral health and the connection between dental care and overall well-being.
4. Address Bias: Provide cultural competence training for dental professionals to reduce discrimination and improve patient experiences.

Implementation

Expanding the use of nurse practitioners and dental hygienists can help fill the gaps in underserved areas. Local governments, healthcare organizations, and community leaders must collaborate to create sustainable programs that address workforce shortages and financial barriers. Regular monitoring and data collection will ensure that these initiatives meet the needs of the populations they serve.

Conclusion

The NURS FPX 6008 Assessment 1 Health Care Economic Issue emphasizes the urgent need for action to address oral health disparities. Access to affordable dental care will reduce health disparities, enhance quality of life, and alleviate economic burdens for underserved communities. By increasing education, recruiting dental professionals, and addressing systemic barriers, we can create a future where oral health is no longer a privilege but a fundamental right.

References

Assari, S. (2018). Socioeconomic status and self-related oral health: Diminished return on Hispanic Whites. Dentistry Journal, 6–7.

Eke, T. E. (2013). Prevalence of periodontitis in adults in the United States. Journal of Dental Research, 1–7.

Elliot Abt, D. M. (2021). Periodontal disease and medical maladies. Journal of the American Dental Association, 153.

Health, H. D. (2023, April). Addressing the oral health needs. CareQuest Institute. https://www.carequest.org/system/files/HDA-CareQuest-Institute_Addressing-Oral-Health-Needs-of-Hispanics-in-US_4.26.23.pdf

Hill, P. S. (2021). Structural racism and oral health inequalities of Black vs. non-Hispanic White adults in the US. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 50–63.

Northridge, M. E., & Kumar, A. (2020). Disparities in access to oral health care. Annual Review of Public Health, 513–535.

Veiga, N. J., & Cardoso-Martins, P. (2023). Oral health strategies: Surveying the present to plan the future of community-based learning. Healthcare, 11–19.

NYC Health Topics. (2023). Oral health. NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/oral-health.page

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, February 5). Disparities in oral health. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/oral_health_disparities/index.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April). Dental care utilization among adults aged 18−64: United States, 2019 and 2020.
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db435.htm

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2021). Oral health in America. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Bethesda, MD.
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2021-12/Oral-Health-in-America-Advances-and-Challenges.pdf#page=59

Sun, D. K. (2021, November 25). How phantom networks, provider qualities, and poverty sway Medicaid dental care access: A geospatial analysis of Manhattan. PubMed Central.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8656799/

Willcoxon, N. (2022, June 15). Older adults sacrificing basic needs due to healthcare costs. WestHealth. https://www.westhealth.org/news/older-adults-sacrificing-basic-needs-due-to-healthcare-costs/