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

Fnu Namrata,Zvi G Loewy

doi:10.4236/ojst.2021.1111038

Abstract

The U.S. has experienced very high numbers of positive COVID-19 cases, along with high unemployment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, 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 dentistry. 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 available. This study was designed to investigate the disparities in access to oral healthcare amidst the global economic crisis and rise in unemployment.

Highlights

Reported in Wuhan China in December 2019, COVID-19 is an ongoing global pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2)
Evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the disproportionate access to oral health care in these populations
We focus on the disparities in healthcare access, especially in the field of oral health during the COVID-19 pandemic

Summary

Introduction

Reported in Wuhan China in December 2019, COVID-19 is an ongoing global pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2). The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns over racial and geographic discrimination, health equity, and disparities between public health imperatives and individual rights. Evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the disproportionate access to oral health care in these populations. We focus on the disparities in healthcare access, especially in the field of oral health during the COVID-19 pandemic. A variety of keywords were employed in keyword/title/abstract searches that included: oral health disparities, healthcare affordability, healthcare accessibility, pandemic, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2. Study objectives include: 1) To obtain insight into the economic impact of the pandemic resulting from unemployment and loss of Employer-Sponsored health Insurance (ESI); 2) To evaluate the adverse impact of the pandemic on oral healthcare access; 3) To suggest an approach to resolve the disparities

Relationship of COVID-19 and Health Insurance

Impact of COVID-19 on Access to Oral Healthcare

Approach to Resolve Disparities

Findings

Conclusion