Dentist shortage under landmark health care law

Thursday, 07 August 2008 11:29AM

Dentist shortage under landmark health care law

Boston, MA (WBZ Newsroom) -- The state's landmark health care law has led to long lines at dental offices.

Despite doubling the number of dentists participating in the Medicaid program, there's still a major shortage of dentists willing to treat new patients.

Just 17 percent of dentists statewide are willing to see new patients, and even they're limiting the number of state-subsidized patients they will treat.

Since getting free or subsidized dental coverage in 2006, more than 200,000 low-income adults have sought dental care.

Dentists cite costly, slow, and time-consuming reimbursement rates as part of the problem.

WBZ.com