Oral health can be an overlooked aspect of overall wellbeing, particularly when it comes to chronic conditions. Numerous studies have shown that bacterial infections and gum disease can increase the risk for other significant health issues, such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Unfortunately, many Minnesotans do not have reliable access to quality dental care. Part of the challenge stems from policies many dental practices have regarding acceptance of patients enrolled in public health programs.

A recent study on dentist participation in public insurance programs shows that in 2019, 40% of the approximately 3,000 dentists in Minnesota do not accept any patients enrolled in a public health program. Among those dentists who do accept, many are no longer taking on new patients.

Removing barriers to needed dental care

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is committed to advancing health equity to ensure all Minnesotans have access to the care they need to live their healthiest lives. As part of that effort, The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation recently provided grant funding to Apple Tree Dental as part of their Equitable Care and Coverage program.

Apple Tree Dental works to address barriers within vulnerable communities through education, prevention, and restorative dental services. Apple Tree has nine Centers for Dental Health in Minnesota and operates year-round, on-site care programs through partnerships with Head Start centers, schools, group homes, and senior assisted living programs.

The grant supports Apple Tree's family-centered initiative that delivers on-site dental services to targeted preschools and schools in Twin Cities communities with high social vulnerability, serving children who are uninsured, underinsured, or covered through state Medicaid. Funding also supports the expansion of Apple Tree’s pediatric team and deepens staff cultural competence to provide excellent care for children with complex needs.

Many of the early childhood education centers and schools that will be served as part of this initiative enroll high percentages of lower-income children whose families lack access to dental care and oral health education. Data from Ready, Set, Smile show that of the children they served in 2022, 96% were children of color, more than 50% were from immigrant families and 38% were uninsured.

The Foundation’s grant funding also supports Apple Tree Dental’s telehealth services so families can have their first dental consultation virtually, saving them time and reducing the need to arrange transportation, childcare, or other services.

Learn more

Learn more about the Blue Cross Foundation’s Equitable Care and Coverage program and recent grants

Read more about Apple Tree Dental’s new initiative in MinnPost