Access to dental care should not depend on where you live or how you’re insured—but in Kansas, it often does. Fewer than 1 in 4 dentists in the state accept Medicaid, and 44 counties currently have no Medicaid dental provider at all. Western Kansas is especially impacted, where long drives and limited options make even basic dental care out of reach for many families.
But this issue isn’t limited to rural areas. Even in larger cities like Wichita, people with disabilities often travel for over an hour just to find a dentist who accepts Medicaid and can meet their dental care needs. The shortage of providers touches every part of the state.
To help change that, Oral Health Kansas and Pathways to Oral Health have developed a Consumer Toolkit for Recruiting Dentists—a simple, practical guide designed for community members, advocates, and caregivers who want to make a difference.
The toolkit gives you everything you need to start the conversation:
- Fact sheets you can share with local dental offices.
- Sample emails, texts, and talking points for reaching out to dentists in your area.
- Social media posts and graphics to raise awareness and inspire action.
- Information about recent Medicaid improvements, including higher reimbursement rates and expanded adult coverage.
- Resources for dentists, such as provider enrollment links and helpful advice on provider enrollment, disability care training, and My Dental Care Passport to support inclusive care.
You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference. Every email, call, and social post helps show Kansas dentists that their participation in Medicaid truly matters—and that our communities are ready to support them.
When more dentists open their doors to Medicaid patients, families get the preventive care they deserve, and individuals with disabilities can maintain their oral and overall health with dignity and confidence.
Together, we can close the gap in dental access—one conversation at a time.
Explore the toolkit and share your voice today at Pathways to Oral Health.
