Reducing barriers for migratory agricultural workers to receive oral health care services.

Between one and two million migratory agricultural workers leave their homes each year to plant, cultivate, harvest and pack fruits, vegetables and nuts in the United States. While in the United States, most lack dental insurance and have no regular dentist. The primary purpose of this study was to describe issues associated with barriers to access and receiving oral health care from the perspective of migratory agricultural workers rather than the perspective of providers.

Creating a regional dental center serving six rural county health districts.

People with Medicaid or no dental insurance have a difficult time accessing dentists in private practice. The problem of access is more profound in rural than urban areas. Safety net dental clinics operated by small rural local health districts are difficult to start up, operate, and maintain.