Oral Health

Two dentists ward off arrows pointed at a tooth with a shield.

How Missouri is getting more people to the dentist — for more than a pretty smile

Suzanne King

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.

Overall dental decay rates of school children in Missouri are higher among children from rural counties.

Health, Science & Environment

‘Rural Children In Crisis’ Brings Light To Dental Care Disparities In Rural Missouri

Emily Woodbury

The new documentary "Rural Children in Crisis: Access to Missouri Oral Care" highlights disparities in dental care for children in rural Missouri — and what needs to be done to prevent young kids from experiencing tooth decay.

Kristen Alexander lines up with her classmates at Missouri School of Dentistry to receive her degree June 10, 2017. The Poplar Bluff native has accepted a job at a community health center in her hometown.

Education

All smiles: New Missouri dental school aiming to reduce oral health care gaps graduates first class

The first class of dentists trained at a St. Louis community health clinic is ready to put its new skills to use.A.T. Still University-Missouri School of…

A cluster of patient chairs in the adult dentistry unit on the second floor. Community health clinics are waiting to see if dental coverage will be extended to adults in Missouri's Medicaid program this year.

Health, Science & Environment

New dental clinic will serve thousands of low-income patients

With three floors and 92 chairs for dental appointments, the new St. Louis Education and Oral Health Clinic has the equipment to fill some of the region’s…