dentists

More than 7 million veterans nationwide who get medical care through the Department of Veterans Affairs are not eligible for dental care. Dentists are stepping up to address the issue in Kansas City.

Interviews and surveys for this investigation revealed long wait times for routine dental care, failure to follow American Dental Association recommendations for cleanings and tooth extractions in cases of pain.

After debates where local dentists made the case that fluoridated water was a crucial part of dental health, and out-of-town opponents argued it was dangerous, Rolla City Council has postponed a vote on a measure to remove fluoride from the drinking water.

Utah's governor recently signed a bill into law banning the addition of fluoride into the state's public water systems. City councils in Rolla and Hannibal have proposed banning fluoride in response to unsubstantiated claims from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

The debate in Abilene, Kansas, could be a precursor to other communities considering the move because members of the incoming Trump administration are advocating to get rid of fluoride in drinking water. Experts say dental health is at stake.

Many patients stay away from the dentist out of concern about the costs. Health experts say that MO HealthNet covering dental exams is a significant step in Missouri's effort to improve dental access — and to boost overall health, beyond cavities, molars and gums.

The U.S. is experiencing a shortage of dentists. While this isn't the case in every community, the Kansas City region has plenty of "dental deserts."

An estimated 275,000 Missouri adults can get dental insurance now as the state has expanded who is eligible for Medicaid. But with so few dentists participating in the program, the state’s already-backlogged clinics are facing a glut of new clients.

Neena Patel tells the kinds of stories that make your mouth hurt. She’s a dentist with Miles of Smiles, a nonprofit organization offering free services to…

Editor's note: This story was produced in collaboration with UMKC students covering the people and issues in Wyandotte County.Wyandotte County is one step…

Kansas legislators are seeking answers from the Brownback administration after federal officials denied a one-year extension of the state’s Medicaid…

At 59 years old, Bill Miller is starting to have neck and back problems. Thirty-two years of bending over to check patients’ teeth and gums will do that,…