A county-wide survey found major gaps in dental care access in Tompkins County, with over half of residents reporting trouble finding local dentists, especially for children, according to the county’s Whole Health department.
Many families travel to other counties for care, and a shortage of pediatric dentists and in-network providers has pushed some practices to require full payment upfront. County officials cite high overhead costs and poor Medicaid reimbursement as barriers keeping providers from accepting insurance.
In response, Tompkins plans to launch an oral health steering committee and explore solutions like mobile clinics. Officials hope community partnerships and data-driven efforts will improve access and education, particularly for children who have never visited a dentist.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].