Disparities in Oral Healthcare Access Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The U.S. has experienced very high numbers of positive COVID-19 cases, along with high unemployment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Simi-larly, on a global level, the pandemic has resulted in an increase in the unemployment rate, loss of insurance and an overall adverse social impact. In the social sector, there has been a huge gap in supply and demand; this has been especially apparent in the healthcare industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant negative impact on high-contact industries, including denti-stry. Causative factors have included social distancing, shortage of healthcare professionals and loss of insurance due to unemployment. The result has been a void in preventative oral health services. Limited information on the disproportionate access to oral healthcare, due to the increase in unemployment and corresponding loss of insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic is availa-ble. This study was designed to investigate the disparities in access to oral healthcare amidst the global economic crisis and rise in unemployment.