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One in Three Young Adults Skip Dental Visits, Study Reveals

9/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A Tufts University study reveals that nearly one in three young adults (ages 18-35) in the U.S. skipped dental visits last year, facing health risks linked to poor oral health.
The analysis of 128,000 adults identifies cost and lack of insurance as key barriers to dental care.
Older adults (66+) reported more disabilities but had better insurance and home ownership.
The study advocates for integrating dental care into overall health care and expanding public dental insurance.
Adults with disabilities are nearly twice as likely to have unmet dental needs due to cost and insurance gaps.

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Story summary

A Tufts University study reveals that nearly one in three young adults (ages 18-35) in the U.S. skipped dental visits last year, facing health risks linked to poor oral health.
The analysis of 128,000 adults identifies cost and lack of insurance as key barriers to dental care.
Older adults (66+) reported more disabilities but had better insurance and home ownership.
The study advocates for integrating dental care into overall health care and expanding public dental insurance.
Adults with disabilities are nearly twice as likely to have unmet dental needs due to cost and insurance gaps.