Although oral health in the United States has by many measures improved dramatically over the past 50 years, it still represents a significant public health issue that affects low-income and minority populations disproportionately. Recently released data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) underscore these disparities, showing significantly greater rates of untreated dental caries (cavities) among African Americans and Hispanics than among
their White, non-Hispanic counterparts. Black and Hispanic populations also suffer disproportionate rates of tooth loss. Although the exact relationships between dental disease and other chronic diseases are not fully known, it is safe to say that maintaining good oral health is critical to achieving good overall health. Put simply, the prevalence of preventable, untreated dental disease among racial and ethnic minority populations is unacceptable. We as a nation must do better