Dental Clinics
Dental Deserts in America: Harvard Study Highlights Growing Gap in Oral Healthcare Access

For millions of Americans, seeing a dentist is not just a matter of cost, it is a matter of geography. A new study published in JAMA Network Open sheds light on what researchers are calling “dental deserts”—regions in the U.S. where access to dental care is limited, or in many cases, entirely unavailable.
Led by Hawazin Elani, assistant professor at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, the study takes a granular look at spatial access to dental services, revealing startling disparities that stretch across rural, suburban, and even some urban communities. Using advanced mapping techniques and block-level census data, the research team has provided one of the most comprehensive visualizations of dental care accessibility in the country to date.
What Are Dental Deserts?
Dental deserts are defined in the study as areas with little to no access to dental professionals. In these regions, residents may need to drive long distances, wait weeks for an appointment, or simply go without care altogether. For those experiencing toothaches, oral infections, or needing preventive cleanings, these barriers can have serious health consequences.
The new study reveals that approximately 1.7 million Americans live in areas where dental care is virtually inaccessible. These regions are not just sparsely populated rural zones but also include economically disadvantaged and racially segregated neighborhoods in cities.
Mapping the Problem: A Closer Look at the Data
The research builds upon the federal government’s Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designations, but goes further by applying a gravity-based model that accounts for both population demand and provider availability at the block group level—the smallest geographic unit used by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The result is a nuanced, color-coded map that highlights areas across the country with adequate, limited, or no access to dental services.
- Green areas show adequate access
- Orange indicates limited access
- Yellow identifies dental deserts
- Gray represents census blocks with no population
Notable State Findings
According to the study, certain states stand out for having large segments of their populations living in dental deserts:
- Alaska: 10.4% of the population lives in areas with no dental access
- Montana: 7.8%
- North Dakota: 7.7%
Conversely, only four states—Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, and New Jersey—along with Washington, D.C. were found to have no dental deserts.
The rural-urban divide is also stark. In rural America, the dentist-to-population ratio averages about 1 to 3,850, whereas urban areas average 1 to 1,470, a nearly 2.5x difference.
Socioeconomic and Racial Disparities in Access
The study did not just map locations; it also examined socioeconomic factors, uncovering troubling disparities tied to poverty, education, insurance status, and race.
- 24.7 million people live in dental care shortage areas overall
- 15.6% of individuals in these areas live below the federal poverty level
- A high proportion are uninsured, making even nearby care financially out of reach
- White populations dominate rural dental deserts, while Black and Hispanic populations are more affected in urban areas with high segregation and poverty
“These findings illustrate that access to dental care in the United States is not only a geographic problem but also a socioeconomic one,” said Dr. Elani. “Even within cities, systemic barriers create invisible deserts for many communities of color.”
The Public Health Implications
Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Untreated cavities can lead to infection, pain, poor nutrition, and missed school or work. More seriously, gum disease has been associated with systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and even adverse pregnancy outcomes.
For Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries, the situation may be even worse. Many dentists do not accept government insurance due to low reimbursement rates, further limiting access for vulnerable populations.
Dr. Elani notes, “The situation is likely even more dire for Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries, who face additional barriers due to low dentist participation, worsening existing disparities.”
Policy and Planning: What Can Be Done?
This study arrives at a time when the need for equitable healthcare access is gaining national attention. The authors hope their findings will spur policymakers to:
- Reassess dental workforce distribution
- Incentivize dentists to work in underserved areas through loan forgiveness and grants
- Expand Medicaid and Medicare coverage for dental services
- Fund mobile dental clinics and teledentistry initiatives in remote regions
- Support community health worker programs that include oral health education and outreach
Md. Shahinoor Rahman, a co-author of the study, emphasized that their advanced modeling “helps uncover gaps that previous efforts may have missed, making it easier to deploy resources where they’re needed most.”
A Wake-Up Call for the Dental Industry and Lawmakers
This research paints a sobering picture of how unevenly dental services are spread across the U.S. For patients living in dental deserts, the cost is not just one of inconvenience but of enduring preventable pain and health risks. The call to action is clear: more targeted policies, stronger community support, and a reimagining of how dental services are delivered.
In the meantime, awareness remains the first step. For communities, clinics, and health departments, maps like these offer invaluable insight into where efforts should be focused next.
Dental Clinics
AZ Dentist Expands Across Arizona with Compassionate, Community-Focused Care

Delivering the Smile of a Lifetime in Scottsdale, Glendale, Sedona, and Sun City.
In a time when personalized healthcare is more important than ever, AZ Dentist continues to redefine what it means to provide accessible, compassionate, and comprehensive dental care. With a growing network of practices in Scottsdale, Glendale, Sedona, and Sun City, AZ Dentist is fast becoming a trusted name across Arizona communities, known not only for exceptional clinical expertise but also for its unwavering focus on patient comfort and convenience.
From its signature pink heart logo to its philosophy of treating every patient like family, AZ Dentist is building more than smiles. It’s building lasting relationships—one appointment at a time.
A Patient-Centered Approach to Dental Excellence
At the heart of AZ Dentist’s success is a deeply human approach to dentistry. The clinic’s core values—compassion, convenience, and comfort—are not just words on a website. They are the lived experience of every patient who walks through their doors.
Whether you are a first-time visitor for a simple cleaning or returning for advanced care such as implants or cosmetic treatments, AZ Dentist makes it a priority to ensure you feel welcomed, understood, and empowered in every interaction.
“We believe everyone deserves access to world-class dental care, regardless of their background or history,” says a spokesperson for AZ Dentist. “Our goal is to remove the fear and stress so commonly associated with dentistry. We do this by listening, empathizing, and delivering the kind of care we’d want for our own families.”
Four Locations, One Mission: A Healthier Arizona
To better serve patients across the state, AZ Dentist has strategically expanded its footprint, operating four distinct offices with the same unified standard of care:
Scottsdale Office – AZ Dentist (Flagship)
Located in the heart of Scottsdale, the flagship AZ Dentist office combines modern technology with a soothing atmosphere. It serves as the benchmark for what dental care should feel like: accessible, comprehensive, and stress-free. From routine exams to more complex procedures, this location continues to attract families, professionals, and retirees who value consistent and quality-driven care.
Glendale Office – Modern Family Dentistry
Blending contemporary aesthetics with patient-first service, the Glendale location operates under the name Modern Family Dentistry and is proud to be part of the AZ Dentist family. This office is especially popular with multi-generational families who appreciate the clinic’s ability to cater to both children and seniors with equal attention to detail and warmth.
Sedona Office – Sedona Family Dentistry
Surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of red rock country, the Sedona location holds a special place in the AZ Dentist network. As Sedona continues to grow as a wellness destination, this clinic provides residents and visitors alike with a reliable and friendly source for dental care in a serene, welcoming environment.
Sun City Office – 1st Classic Dental
Sun City is home to a vibrant, active senior community, and 1st Classic Dental ensures they have access to high-quality dental care without the hassle. With a focus on preventive care and restorative dentistry, this location helps older adults maintain oral health and enjoy a better quality of life.
Each office retains its unique charm and character while aligning with AZ Dentist’s system-wide commitment to excellence. Patients can expect consistent service and professionalism, no matter which location they visit.
Beyond the Chair: The WOW Factor
One of the phrases often heard within the AZ Dentist culture is “The WOW Factor.” But what does that mean for patients?
It’s the feeling you get when you walk into a dental office and are greeted with genuine smiles. It’s the attention to detail in every procedure, from how X-rays are explained to how follow-up instructions are delivered. It’s the blend of cutting-edge technology with a soft, human touch.
This WOW factor extends beyond the treatment rooms into community outreach and ongoing patient education. Whether through informational content on oral hygiene or wellness partnerships with local organizations, AZ Dentist is actively engaged in making Arizona a healthier place to live.
Your Smile, Our Passion
AZ Dentist is more than just a network of dental clinics. It is a community-driven organization that believes every smile has a story—and every patient deserves the chance to write a happy ending to theirs.
With an unwavering commitment to compassionate care, affordable services, and lasting relationships, AZ Dentist continues to set the standard for dental excellence in Arizona.
You deserve the smile of a lifetime.
Book your appointment today at any one of AZ Dentist’s convenient locations: Scottsdale, Glendale, Sedona, or Sun City.
Dental Clinics
New Dental Clinic in South Lake Tahoe Expands Access to Care for Underserved Residents

A significant step toward expanding oral healthcare access has arrived in South Lake Tahoe. El Dorado Community Health Centers (EDCHC), in partnership with Mountain Valley Health Plan and El Dorado County Public Health, has officially opened a new dental clinic at 3443 Lake Tahoe Blvd, marking a major milestone for the region’s healthcare infrastructure.
The clinic is designed to serve both children and adults with a range of services, including exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, extractions, and limited root canals. Its mission is clear: to provide local, accessible, and affordable dental care for the underserved communities in South Lake Tahoe.
Bridging the Dental Care Gap in the Basin
Until now, many families in South Lake Tahoe had to travel long distances—often to Placerville or beyond—to access dental care. This reality meant hours spent commuting, missed workdays for parents, and lost instructional time for children.
The new clinic changes that. Initially outfitted with up to seven dental stations, the facility can accommodate around 200 patients per month, with plans to double that number to 400 monthly patients as operations scale.
The site is strategically located to be accessible by public transit and foot, and includes ample parking for patients driving in from nearby areas. It also offers a sliding fee discount program for qualifying patients and accepts Medi-Cal Dental insurance, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to care.
A Community Collaboration Rooted in Equity
The creation of the clinic is the result of collaboration among three key entities: El Dorado Community Health Centers (EDCHC), Mountain Valley Health Plan, and El Dorado County Public Health.
Each partner plays a distinct role in ensuring the clinic’s success:
- EDCHC brings clinical expertise and day-to-day operations
- Mountain Valley Health Plan, the local Medi-Cal managed care organization, provides critical funding and oversight for access
- El Dorado County Public Health offers strategic guidance on addressing disparities in health outcomes
According to Caleb Sandford, Chief Executive Officer of EDCHC, “The new dental clinic will serve all age groups, including children, adults, and seniors, and will be centrally located to provide easy access to local residents.”
This level of collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to addressing both geographic and financial barriers to dental care—issues that have long plagued rural and mountain communities.
Oral Health Is Public Health
Healthcare experts in the region are emphasizing the long-term importance of oral health for overall wellbeing. Poor dental health can have lifelong implications, particularly for children and expectant mothers.
“Maintaining oral health care during pregnancy, childhood, and throughout life is important because the consequences of poor oral health can have a lifelong impact on overall health,” said Kyle Fliflet, El Dorado County’s Acting Director of Public Health.
Access to local dental care ensures that families are not forced to choose between employment, education, and health. By eliminating long-distance travel requirements, the clinic empowers families to make regular dental visits a routine part of their lives—rather than an infrequent, emergency-driven event.
Local Impact: Why It Matters Now
The new clinic directly responds to several persistent issues facing the South Lake Tahoe community:
- Transportation difficulties: Families without reliable vehicles often rely on public transportation, which made dental visits out of town burdensome or altogether impossible.
- Work-life conflicts: Parents and guardians frequently face challenges in securing time off work to bring children to appointments. A local clinic mitigates this by reducing travel time and scheduling conflicts.
- Educational disruptions: Children often miss full school days when attending appointments far from home. The local availability of care helps preserve valuable classroom time.
“With this new facility, we are giving people the chance to prioritize their health without sacrificing income or education,” said Lizeth Granados, CEO of Mountain Valley Health Plan. “By investing in this partnership, Mountain Valley Health Plan will increase the availability of essential dental care for Health Plan members tailored to the needs of the community.”
Services Offered and What to Expect
Patients visiting the clinic can expect a welcoming, inclusive environment that serves all age groups. The services provided will include:
- Comprehensive oral exams
- Routine cleanings
- Preventive fluoride treatments
- Fillings and crowns
- Simple extractions
- Limited root canal procedures
- Preventive education and follow-up coordination
The team will initially include two part-time dentists, with plans to scale up to two full-time dentists and one part-time dentist later this fall. They will be supported by a staff of six dental professionals, including dental assistants, a hygienist, and a receptionist.
New patients interested in receiving care are encouraged to call 530-497-5016 to schedule an appointment or ask questions about eligibility.
Addressing Health Equity Through Accessibility
Accessibility is more than just physical proximity. This clinic embodies the principle that healthcare should be delivered without prerequisites, restrictions, or stigma. That is why EDCHC’s model—embracing Medi-Cal, offering sliding scale fees, and centralizing location—matters.
“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving access to oral health care and addressing disparities in the South Lake Tahoe region,” said Sandford.
By offering a true “dental home,” the clinic allows residents to establish ongoing relationships with providers, build trust, and engage in long-term preventative care rather than episodic treatment.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Regional Impact
As the clinic grows its patient load and adds capacity, it may become a model for other underserved communities across the Sierra and beyond.
The initiative demonstrates how public health departments, managed care plans, and community clinics can successfully work together to close the dental care gap in regions often overlooked by traditional healthcare infrastructure.
In communities like South Lake Tahoe—where natural beauty meets rural challenges—this type of investment in health equity is essential. It is not just about creating access to dental care. It is about empowering families, supporting student success, and improving quality of life at every stage.
Dental Clinics
Agape Clinic Launches Free Dental Center in Dallas to Expand Access to Oral Health Care

In a bold move to address the growing need for accessible dental care, Agape Clinic, a long-standing nonprofit health provider, has officially opened a new free dental clinic in Dallas. Located at 4104 Junius Street, the clinic quietly opened its doors on September 28, and has already made a significant impact in the community.
What began with a handful of patients is now a bustling operation. According to Agape Clinic’s Executive Director Paul Hoffman, the dental center has scaled quickly from 20 patients in its first week to an average of 20 patients per day.
“Having quality access to dental care is a necessity,” Hoffman said. “There are so many people in our community who just don’t have the insurance or the money to be able to afford much-needed procedures and care.”
A Comprehensive Approach to Charitable Healthcare
Agape Clinic has served the Dallas community for decades with integrated, holistic care that spans medical, pediatric, and behavioral health. With the addition of dental services, Agape becomes the only charitable clinic in the DFW metroplex offering truly comprehensive healthcare without any barriers to entry.
Unlike many other charitable or sliding-scale clinics, Agape has no zip code requirements, no income verification, no insurance requirements, and no cost conditions. Patients are never turned away based on ability to pay.
“Agape Clinic understands that health is a fundamental right and that access to healthcare should be equitable for all,” said Hoffman. “Oral health is an essential component of overall health, and we are absolutely thrilled to expand our services to include dental care at no cost to our clients.”
Staffed and Scaling: Meet the Dental Team
Currently, the clinic is staffed with two part-time dentists and a team of six additional dental professionals, including:
- A dental hygienist
- Several dental assistants
- A front-desk receptionist
By fall, the clinic plans to expand to a full-time dental team, including:
- Two full-time dentists
- One part-time dentist
This expanded team will allow the clinic to serve more patients each day and offer a broader range of services, from cleanings and fillings to more complex procedures.
Funding with Dignity: A Unique Model
Operating a dental clinic—even a charitable one—requires considerable funding. Fortunately, Agape Clinic has found support in an anonymous donor who funds approximately 90 percent of the clinic’s dental operations. The remaining costs are supported by smaller donors and contributions from patients who wish to give back.
“We ask patients to donate what they can,” said Hoffman. “It allows them to partner in their healthcare to help cover service costs.”
This patient-centered approach promotes dignity and agency, allowing individuals to contribute to their care in a way that feels meaningful, without feeling pressured or excluded.
Meeting a Critical Need in Dallas and Beyond
The demand for accessible dental care has only grown in recent years. Millions of Americans—especially those without insurance—go without preventive or emergency dental care due to high costs and limited access. In Dallas County alone, thousands of individuals live in dental deserts, areas with little to no access to dental services within a reasonable distance.
The Agape dental center provides a vital safety net for those who fall through the cracks of private insurance, Medicaid, or other public health programs.
With no paperwork hurdles or prerequisites, anyone can walk through the doors of the clinic and receive care with dignity.
What Patients Can Expect
Services offered at Agape’s dental center include:
- Routine cleanings
- X-rays and exams
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Oral health education
- Referrals for advanced procedures (as needed)
Each visit is conducted in a private, welcoming environment by dental professionals trained in trauma-informed and community-centered care.
A Vision for the Future of Charitable Dentistry
Agape Clinic’s model represents more than just another charitable service—it reflects a vision for healthcare equity. With plans to grow and deepen its dental offerings, the organization hopes to inspire similar initiatives across the state and nation.
Hoffman believes the clinic is only getting started.
“The need is there, and we’re doing everything we can to meet it,” he said. “Our goal is not just to treat symptoms but to transform lives through access, compassion, and community partnership.”
How to Support or Get Involved
Whether you’re a dentist, hygienist, assistant, or community volunteer, there are many ways to support Agape Clinic:
- Donate to sustain free services
- Volunteer your time or skills
- Partner as a referring provider
- Spread the word in underserved communities
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