Which of the following measures would MOST effectively make oral health care more accessible in the United States?

Correct answer: C. Reducing dental fees for Medicaid patients

• A. Weekend hours expand scheduling flexibility but do not address the cost barrier that prevents underserved populations from seeking care.
• B. Forgiving dental student loans may increase workforce supply over time, but does not directly address the financial barrier to accessing care for uninsured/underinsured patients.
• C. CORRECT. A major barrier to oral health access for underserved populations is the low reimbursement rate of Medicaid dental programs, which causes many dentists to opt out. Increasing Medicaid reimbursement to realistic levels would encourage more providers to accept these patients, directly improving access for low-income individuals.
• D. Employer-mandated dental insurance would help some working adults but excludes unemployed, elderly, and low-income individuals who often have the greatest unmet oral health needs.